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  Puppy dog
training can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This applies
to both experienced and first time puppy owners alike. It is during
this early stage of your puppy's development that you have the
opportunity to watch it grow and mature. If you employ a qualified
dog trainer during this period, you should also take an active role
in the puppy's learning.
The training
of your puppy should be done at an early stage. Don't wait until it
is no longer a puppy but begin the training as soon as possible.
Some people may think that waiting until the puppy is between 6
months and one year old before training is more effective. However,
this is bad advice and you should always teach and train your puppy
at as early an age as possible. You are no doubt aware of the saying
"you can't teach an old dog new tricks." Well, although not entirely
correct, there is a lot of truth in the saying. Much like developing
babies, puppies will learn more quickly during the early stages of
their lives.
Failing to
train your puppy could prove troublesome later. Without some form of
training, it could grow up to become disobedient and unmanageable.
In severe cases, it could become an uncontrollable problem dog, a
source of embarrassment to you and possibly a danger to others.
Training your puppy at an early stage will help to bond your
relationship. It will also help to shape the puppy's character and
future behaviour patterns.
Basic
puppy dog training should include house training, lead training,
stopping excessive or unnecessary barking and preventing needless
biting and chewing. This should be done together with general
obedience commands such as sit, stay and fetch. Some planning is
required for this and you must allow time in your daily schedule to
carry it out. You should also incorporate meal and bed times into
the training routine whenever possible so that it becomes habit
forming.
With
obedience training, good behaviour should be rewarded. Only good
behaviour should be rewarded and any reward given should be applied
with consistency. Doing this will help strengthen your bond with the
puppy. It will also help the puppy to distinguish between what you
consider to be the right and wrong way of doing things. You will
need patience for this to work effectively. Your puppy will be full
of energy and will often refuse to carry out some tasks. This is to
be expected and you must persevere with the training routine.
With puppy dog training, remember to be gentle. Don't be callous and
insensitive to its feelings. At this stage in your puppy's
development, it is important to build trust into the relationship.
The best advice that I can give with obedience training is "take it
easy and stick with it."
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