Experts agree that the best way to handle a dog’s behaviour is to parent it by proper training from puppy hood. A calm secure puppy is easier to house break than a nervous one. Because anxiety and fear contribute to bad behaviour, resolve never to hit it. Corrective training builds on the basic commands that every dog should learn and respond to immediately.
Look beyond any annoying behaviour to the root cause - loneliness, insecurity, strange people in the house or a change in routine and try to correct it.
When your puppy misbehaves say “No” in a loud firm voice. As soon as it obeys, shower it with praise and affection. In all puppy training replace food with praise as soon as you can. A puppy trained only with food has its mind on the food rather than what it is supposed to do.
A dog that slips its leash may run off and refuse to come back when called. Don’t chase it. Sit down and try to coax it back to you in a pleasant voice. Or walk leisurely away from the dog calling it to heel. Reward it with praise and a biscuit when it comes.
Have a friend help you train your puppy how to behave. When you open the door if it is barking, stop it. Go to the door with the puppy and place it beside you. Tell it lie down. Now open the door, with the puppy in position. This teaches it to be there to protect you.
Be firm when your puppy greets you by jumping up. No matter how joyful it is to see you, command it then pet and pamper it. This conditions it to receive all its affection on the ground. In all training try using three voice levels. High voice (almost baby talk) for praise. Normal and authoritative tone for commands and a controlled voice when you are making corrections.
From its old pack instincts a dog expects either to lead or to follow. To teach a dog well you must always be the leader and your dog the obedient follower. Be sure your puppy understands each command before going on to the next. Use the same commands consistently. Come, sit, stay down (for lie down), heel, stand, Dogs do not understand sentences!
A dog is man’s best friend, right? Give it lots of love and patience. You won’t be sorry.
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