If you are waiting to join a class or just looking for some general information, the following are a few pearls of wisdom from our Trainers
Research the type of dog you and your family want. It is not enough to get a dog just because it looks nice. Remember a 6-week-old fluffy bundle of puppy could turn into a 6 stone adult dog! So it's very important to start your training early in your dog's life for the sake of your family and for the sake of the dog. You will find a trained dog a great pleasure to take for walks and to be with, whereas an untrained dog will become a nuisance to you and to others. So we have put together a few pointers, which we hope will be of some use to you and your dog.
Dogs are pack animals and in the pack there are pack leaders. It is very important that your dog knows who their pack leader is. It must be you and your family - it cannot and must not be the dog!
Teach your dog his/her name. It may sound silly but every time you call his/her name, he/she should look at you. When your dog looks at you praise your dog. (This is what we mean by teaching your dog his/her name.)
Leaving your puppy alone: don’t be afraid to leave your puppy. We would recommend that you do this soon after you get your puppy. Build the length of time up gradually.
Training your dog should be a pleasure for both of you. You should understand your dogs temperament and the way its mind works. Observe your dog, watch him explore the garden, greet visitors', etc.
There are certain rules to which your dog must adhere to in your home, so it's important that you teach him these rules. It is also very important to praise your dog for good behaviour and reprimand him for bad behaviour, but this must be done fairly and consistently as inconsistency will lead to confusion for the dog and the dog will not learn.
The attention span of a young dog is very short so training periods should be kept to 5 minutes sessions two or three times a day.
All puppies and older dogs need free play, they have to learn that they must come back when they are called. They must also learn to walk on the lead. Both these exercises can start being taught within your garden.
If you have two or more dogs/puppies it is important to walk the dogs separately so the younger/new dog becomes independent i.e. not dependant on the other dog
Puppies will chew whilst they are teething and they are usually not bothered by what they chew. So provide suitable chews/toys to help them, never leave your dog unattended with a chew, remember to change the chew often (unless of course your dog eats it!). Teach your dog what he can chew and what he must leave alone.
Nyla bones are by far the safest bones for your dog to chew, as animal bones can splinter and cause problems for your dog.
If you allow your dog to play with discarded clothing, he may not be able to understand the difference between your new slippers/gloves and your old ones!
Start house training your dog as soon as you get him home.
For example before you get your puppy home decide what part of the garden you would like him to use as a toilet, this is useful to do especially if you have young children or a very nice lawn.
When your puppy wakes up, after a meal or first thing in the morning take/guide him to the special area, wait for him to go to the toilet and praise him as he is going.
Always walk your dog on your left-hand side you will find that the dog will be happier if he knows where he should be.
Play with your dog this helps stimulate your dog's mind and creates that special bond. Only play on your terms. You dictate when you start and finish.
Take your dogs dinner away from him whilst he is eating it, wait a couple of seconds, then give it back. If your dog growls tell him "No", keep repeating this exercise until he stops growling, this will help to establish your leadership.
Always praise your dog when he comes to you even if he has run off and takes ages to come back. If you scold him he will remember that and not be so willing to come back next time.
Socialise your dog, show him traffic, other animals, road walking, countryside walking, people (the High Street is a good place to go). Always take "time" to let your dog adjust to these new experiences in life and gently praise him. (Obviously your dog will be on the lead.)
Make sure that your garden is "safe" i.e. he cannot get through or under fences, keep gates shut properly, make sure weed killers and pesticides are stored out of harms way.
Make sure that your commands are commands and not request. Adjust the tone of your voice; commands are given in a positive tone, praise in a lighter pleasant voice and reprimand in a very firm voice.
Do be a Responsible dog owner always carry 'poo' bags and clear up after your dog. Make sure your dog wears an identity tag (it is a legal requirement even if the dog is micro chipped the minimum information required is a telephone number) Be respectful of others i.e. humans and other dogs.
Don't feed your dog from your dining table or your plate.
Don't leave your dogs food down all day long for him to eat at his leisure.
Never hit a dog - he doesn't understand this, to reprimand him give him a quick shake holding the scruff of his neck, this is what would happen in the wild.
Never leave dogs and children alone together.
Don't reprimand your dog after the event (whatever that may be i.e. wetting, digging, chewing etc) You need to catch him in the act!
Make sure humans clear up after them i.e. shoes, toys and valuables so the dog can not chew them.
Don't give your dog lots of toys to play with, as he will get bored with them. Keep one toy for you both to have a game with, then put the toy away.
Don't allow your dog onto the furniture unless you invite him to, but more importantly make sure you can get him 'off' without a battle.
An excellent reference for further information is the Dogs Trust (Formerly the National Canine Defence League)
If you would like to know more please contact us - we will be more than happy to reply.