Training Your Dog

Training is basic obedience. It's teaching your dog to sit, stay, come, and heal. When your dog learns to listen to you, you can do a lot of fun things together. Best results are achieved with training between eight weeks and seven months of age.

Start training is with positive reinforcement. Try to figure out what your puppy likes best (food, a particular toy, or physical affection), and use that as the reward when he performs the correct behavior for you. Turn favorite activities into games. Based on natural instincts, certain breeds enjoy certain games. For example, springers like to run, so play ball. Creative games educate your puppy and provide a physical outlet for all that energy. They also promote emotional and social growth, improve coordination, and enhance your relationship. Avoid rough games like tug-of-war, wrestling, and chasing because they teach your puppy to struggle against you.

What You And Your Vet Can Do

• Even the best trained dogs only listen 80 percent of the time, so when your puppy doesn't listen, be patient and don't give up. If your puppy is doing something dangerous, use negative reinforcement to stop him right away so he doesn't hurt himself. For example, if you see your puppy chewing on an electric cord, spritz him with water or make a sudden loud noise (blow a horn).
• If you do encounter a behavioral problem with your dog at any age it is important to get help. Talk to your vet, who can check for underlying medical conditions that might be the cause. Once a medical problem is ruled out, a behavioral specialist would be the next step.