\"I like the way you put things. I always go - ah, I get that!\" -- Annette Dolphinheart
Puppy Training
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of bringing home a new puppy: they’re so cute and cuddly! I have had many dogs in my life and all seem to have different ways of introducing themselves to their new home – some are timid, whilst others are rambunctious! Some will settle quickly, whilst others may be aloof initially. They all have their own special personalities. No matter what they’re like, it is important to train your puppy right from the start.
This is because puppies are learning machines: the critical stage of development for all puppies is between 3 and 14 weeks of age. Anything a puppy learns and experiences during this time will be retained in the dog’s memory for life. Having said that, puppies in their first year are still very impressionable, so training should be a regular part of their young lives. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to ‘fix’ later.
So where do you start?
Everything starts from gentle leadership and fun. Puppies are just like children – they’re more likely learn from fun activities which capture their attention. From there, you’ll have the respect, love and excitement you need to ensure your puppy listens to you.
Your puppy is ready to learn – are you?
If you’re here then you’re probably wanting to make sure your puppy does not turn into a hassle, behaves well and is a fun companion. And you’ve come to the right place because no matter how old your puppy is, you know it’s time to do what you have promised yourself: give your puppy the best start to life. Maybe you’re thinking: all I need now is some clear direction. And you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re looking for my puppy training guide, please click here.
In the series of fact sheets listed below, I will share some some tips for puppy training. Before reading the fact sheets on any specific training issues, please read ”Training Basics’ as these form an imortant foundation upon which you can enhance your own puppy training skills.
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Dog Obedience Training
Whenever I talk to owners about training their dogs, they always say to me “hey, it’s the same way people should train their children!”. Even though such comments are said in jest, like all jokes, there is some truth to them!
This is because dogs do, in fact, need boundaries and will respect their owners if they know what they can (and can’t) do. Having said that, dogs (like children) can rebel, so they need their leaders to be consistent, firm and fair. Being a dog owner, and having trained many dogs myself, I know this is sometimes easier said than done.
If you’re looking for a free dog training guide that fits this philosophy, click here.
Dog obedience training need not be a chore
Yet I speak to many owners who are the end of their tether when it comes to their dog’s behaviour. Problem dog behaviour can cause frustration and even disharmony within a family, this can then lead to arguments between family members as to who may have ‘spoilt’ (or failed to properly train) the dog.
So, who’s to blame?
Well, there is no such thing as an innately ‘bad dog’. (Even if this is so, it would be very, very rare). Dogs, particularly puppies, are learning machines so they do what they have been taught (or have gotten away with). This means owners have the capacity to mould their dog’s behaviour. This doesn’t mean that any owner should hang their head in shame for any past training mistakes (hey, we’ve all been there). Fact is, most dog owners do the best they can with the knowledge and resources they have at the time. So, please don’t beat yourself up about how you have trained (or not trained) your dog in the past! As you’re reading this, hopefully you’ll come to see that you really do have the power to change your dog’s behaviour for the better. Unfortunately, I often see dog owners give up, because they do not believe they have what it takes to improve their dog’s behaviour.
A better way
If you’re here then you’re probably wanting to boost your own knowledge. And you’ve come to the right place – it’s time to turn over a new leaf and discover some new ways to train your dog. You’ll be surprised at the changes you’ll see in your dog. After all, Mohandas Ghandi said: “Be the change you want to see in this world.” In this context, if you are willing to change your approach to dog training, then you’ll create different (and better) results.
If you’re ready for my dog training guide, please click here.
In the series of fact sheets listed below, I will share some some tips for dog obedience training and dealing with dog problems. Before reading the fact sheets on any specific training issue you may have, please read the fact sheets called Good Leadership and Positive Training as these form an imortant foundation upon which you can enhance your own dog training skills.
- Good Leadership
- Positive Training
- Separation Anxiety
- Excessive Barking
- Aggression
- Jumping Up
- Poop Eating