The Big 3

Time

It is essential to your puppy’s learning to keep the lines of communication flowing if you want a dog that has an open mind and is able to understand what you are asking of him.

You have 1.3 seconds to reward or correct the puppy, this is the time frame at which they will understand what they are being rewarded for or why they are being corrected.  Timing is the first key in training your puppy. 

An example would be you walk outside to get the paper and you come back in the house to see your puppy has soiled on the carpet at this time because more than 1.3 seconds passed between the time you went to get the paper and the time you came back in you cannot give a correction because the puppy will not make the connection. 

Consistency

It is important to remain consistent throughout training so the puppy truly understands the commands being taught to him.  If you are not consistent or allow the puppy to “get away” with certain things while still young he will still do those same things as an adult and they might not be so cute or funny. 

Always be consistent weather house training the puppy or training the puppy to perform basic obedience commands this will prevent any unwanted behavior in the future if you put in the Time and are Consistent with your training while the puppy is most receptive.

Motivation

It is important to know what motivates your puppy and use that during training.  You may find your puppy loves a certain treat or toy.  Make sure to keep the training sessions fun for your puppy and keep his attention.  Keeping your training sessions short and positive you will be able to keep the puppy motivated to do what you are asking of him.  He will start to work harder for the treat or toy and training will begin to pick up and you will be able to start introducing new behaviors.

Always end all training sessions on a positive note.

Let’s Play Ball

·        To teach your dog to play ball or fetch start by having at least 2 or 3 toys/balls with you, this can be done inside OR outside bring the dog to the area you want to play and throw one ball to the dog, when the dog gets the ball and has it in their mouth or lays down with it throw the next ball close to where they are and go pick up the one the dog put down.

·        Continue this until the dog comes closer and closer, this is building trust and will eventually get the dog to drop the ball at your feet. 

·        Do Not enter the dogs “personal space zone” this will ignite the chase game and we do not want to do that, to test where their personal space zone is once the dog has laid down with the ball/toy slowly walk up to the dog and see how close you can get before the dog gets up and walks/runs away, this will be the distance you will stop at before throwing the ball. 

·        Always practice this game in a enclosed area OR on a long line leash.

·        The point of this game is to, of course, get the dog to bring the ball to you and drop it for you but it is also teaching them that it is a good thing to come close to you because good things happen when they do, this is critical if your dog was ever in danger or got loose you could call them and they would Want to come because they know something good is awaiting them.