Puppy Training Tips
Training tips and notes:
-Puppies will pee almost immediately after they nap, so please take them out as soon as they get up.
-Puppies will also pee after they drink, so it would be a good idea to take them out right away.
-Puppies will poop after they eat, so get them outside to poop and please be a little patient because this takes just a little longer.
-Puppies might cry their brains out for about three to four nights after you first get them home. This is where real patience comes in. Just hang in there with the little stinker. You have to remember that he just left his whole family behind. Try an alarm clock that ticks and even one or two stuffed animals. With each puppy we sell, we give tennis balls that the litter played with and a piece of the blanket that the litter laid on. These things may also help the puppy adjust.
-Puppies are easily house broken when using a crate. When you aren't around or it is time for the puppy to sleep, put him in the crate. The easiest way to train the puppy to go into the crate on his own is to sit the puppy in the crate, at the same time give the command "kennel" or "crate", whichever you choose, and then give him a treat. Through the repetition of doing this every time, he will soon be knocking the door down to get in. Puppies do not like to mess in their own beds, so as soon as you take them out of the crate be sure to take him out to do his business. Soon he will learn to go out on his own.
-When feeding we always give the command "puppy come". This gets them used to the command "come". When you decide on a name for them the "puppy" part of the command can be changed to the puppies name and it shouldn't be too hard to get them to learn their new names.
Socializing Your New Puppy:
Behavior studies for dogs have shown that the first twelve weeks are extremely important because the pup's experiences during that time will affect his emotional responses as an older adult dog. The need for human attention is very important and starts soon after the pup is born. Research has shown that a three to seven week old pup can be strongly affected by a lack of human contact. The pup could develop into a shy and easily excitable dog. It is very important that the breeder spend "a lot of time" with the pups during this early formative stage of a pup's life.
When you take the pup home and become his master, the responsibility now becomes yours. Make him your buddy! Take the pup with you everywhere you go. Put on a collar and lead for walks. Put him in a kennel crate for rides in the car. Let him be around other people and especially kids. Let him sort out the multitude of smells, sounds and sights and determine their importance. But be cautious concerning loud noises.
Socialization cannot be overemphasized. It begins with the breeder and must continue with you as the pup's new master. Take the pup to all sorts of new and different places. Take trips to the post office, the bank, and walks in the park on a lead. Puppies attract people, so take advantage of every opportunity to stop and let people pet and play with your pup. This develops self-confidence and the pup comes to like and trust people.
You need to establish yourself as the dominant leader for the pup. With mild restraint hold pup while other people are petting him. Help the pup to be calm. You are starting to develop a well-mannered dog. It is a lot easier to restrain and convince a 12-pound pup to be "well mannered" rather than a full-grown dog. When you bring your seven or eight-week-old pup home handle him. Firmly cradle pup in your arms. Hold the pup quietly until he submits to your authority. Repeat once or twice a day, each session lasting two to three minutes. You want the pup to eventually stand quietly and allow you to touch and handle him. You want the pup to allow you to open his mouth (the veterinarian will need to look at his teeth), touch near his eyes and ears (medication will often be given in these areas) and touch his feet and toes (nails to be grinded or clipped). Back off and do not allow the pup to fear your actions. Build the pup's confidence and go back to doing something that is comfortable to him.
This quiet time/restraint training for the pup can be on a training table, your "back yard" picnic table or the tailgate of your truck. If the surface is slick put down a piece of carpet to give the pup firm footing. The more time you spend with your pup the bond between the two of you will continue to grow.
Training is a progression. In order to progress, the pup has to accomplish certain steps before moving on to the next one. Don't skip steps or move him along faster than he is able to go. Spend time with the pup and expose him to as many different situations as possible. Build his confidence, have fun with him and the result will be a well-mannered and socialized dog.