Jumping up is one of the most frequent grievances Jack Russell keepers have about their pets. Mainly because Jack Russells are small, energetic and have strong legs, they’re vulnerable to jumping all over folks. Irrespective of their small size, JRTs are strong small dogs and they can pack plenty of pressure into a jump. This may also be a problem if your canine likes to get his feet grubby and go jumping all over your guest. So on this article, I’m going to explain some ideas and strategies to prevent a Jack Russell from jumping up. A fine dog training plan is necessary to make your jack russell properly behaved.

Preventing Jumping Up

Now, let’s quickly mention the matter of prevention. In Jack Russell training, it’s often better to avoid a problem from building or being more serious than to try to repair it once it gets to be out of hand. Bad habits in the canine can be difficult to correct. So, in the event the problem is recently developing, nip it inside the bud before it gets out of hand.

Lower Your body

The initial tip is to come down to your dog’s level when you greet him. Kneel down anytime you meet your puppy right after returning home. This prevents any need for your canine to jump up to get close to you.

The Off Command

However, you may discover that even when you kneel down, the dog will still refer to putting his paws on you, even though he just isn’t jumping. In this case you can train the Off command.

Teaching the Off command is easy. Here’s how you do it:

1. Kneel right down to meet the puppy.

2. Have a tasty goody equipped to reward the puppy.

3. When he paws at you, say the word “Off” in a apparent, authoritative tone.

4. When his paws naturally touch the floor, reward him using the treat and commend him with words.

Initially, the canine won’t completely grasp the link in between the word and then the activity of moving away from you. But once you do this repeateadly workout time after time, the canine will determine that everytime he stops leaping up, he gets a food reward.

Attention Searching

Never ever give your Jack Russell interest whenever he jumps high on you. Attention just reinforces the conduct and conveys him it really is something he must do much more – that’s the opposite of what we’re seeking to gain. So, as a way to make him jump up less, it makes sense that we must dismiss the habits as much as possible. Take out the reward (your focus) and then the puppy will spot much less advantage in jumping up. This is a straightforward way of employing the dog’s all-natural wishes and instincts to build the habits you desire.

Always attempt to determine what the dog needs when you happen to be making an attempt to improve behavior problem. Jack Russells really don’t react nicely to being pushed to change – they’re strong-willed and independent, so strong-arm tactics will commonly generate a lot more opposition. It really is much simpler to uncover just what the canine wants and employ his very own wishes as being a motivator for good habits.

The post Jack Russell And The Jumping Issue first appeared on Puppy Blog.

We all love our dogs. They very quickly become part of the family and win their way into our homes and heart. You obviously have a dog or are looking to get a new one. You know when you find the right one for you and your family, but what you are not ready for is how they will behave.

Many people are looking to train their dog for many different reasons. The majority of people find that they have behavioural problems with their dog. This problem is not always there from the start and sometimes can become a lot worse over time. Others would like to train their dog to do tricks and to play on command.

We are going to look at behavioural issues along with reasons and solutions. A lot of people discover that a dog starts off fine but develops bad habits and behaviour problems over time. However, a lot of things are over looked. To start with, the breed of the dog is so important. Despite what some may say, the breed can decipher on their general personality and many breeds need to be trained in order to become a family pet to start with. Its not uncommon that they are nice natured and playful as a puppy, soon to change as they grow older. Its never to late to train any breed but its generally the owners ignorance or acceptance to this which is usually the problem.

Its not just down to the breed. There are many more factors to look at. How is your dog being treated. Is your dog being treated nicely by everybody he or she is left with. Again, normally overlooked, but yet again a common problem. Make sure your dog is always treated with love and care. However, this does not mean free run of the house and getting its own way with everything. Its like having a child and if everything revolved around them you are going to end up with a very grumpy teen and possibly not a nice person when older. Sounds harsh, but true.

Ok, so we have looked at the breed and how your dog is being treated. However, something else hugely overlooked is the dogs diet. Food is very important and as with humans causes a direct effect upon health and wellbeing. I am not going to tell you what to feed your dog as every dog, like humans, are different, and each respond differently to different kinds of foods. However, I do know that dry food is preferred amongst experts, especially homemade healthy recipes. So when looking to train your dog for whatever reason, you will definitely need to look at their diet. In fact many people have claimed to have solved behavioural problems simply by changing their food.

Another area to look at is, how much proper attention does your dog get. A dog seeking attention can behave really bad, or appear to, and as long as they get attention this way they will continue and in many cases become worse.

These are just a few of my dog training tips. Remember to look at many factors which include the breed, how much attention and play you give your dog, how your dog is treated by everybody, your dogs diet. If you first look at all these factors you may find a solution to your problem and training your dog will become a lot easier.

The post Dog Training Tips With Behaviour And Diet Needs first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Owning a dog would have to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It’s no secret that owners take great pride in their pets, especially when the dog is disciplined and well-behaved. Unfortunately, not all canines are the same. If your pooch proves to be a handful despite all the obedience training, then the secrets to dog training will teach you how to properly train your pet.

Having the Best Dog Training Advice is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

Remember that dogs behave differently and respond to commands in a certain way. They also think differently; and even though we believe we understand our dog and take the nuances as natural, most of the time this is probably not the case. This guide will reveal the right way of obedience training that is sure to tame any unruly pet, big or small.

Most dogs have unusual behaviors and we generally regard them as natural canine behavior. But biting, pulling, chewing cables and furniture, poor toilet behavior, and excessive barking are all signs of aggression and should be corrected as early as possible. The good thing about this system is that it does not matter if your pet is a puppy or an adult. The tips and tricks will work on any breed, age and size of dog.

It would be great if your pooch responds to every command you give, and the secrets to dog training will teach you how to do it the proper way. All bad habits would be put to a stop and you will have a happier, healthier pet. With the secrets to dog training, it is indeed possible to teach your old dog new tricks.

The post Secrets to Dog Training Review – Discover The Secrets to Unleash The Perfect Dog first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Dogs are creatures of habit and once they pick up a bad habit they have a tendency to repeat it. Bad habits can be detrimental to the dog’s health and cause him to be in danger. If your dog is displaying negative behavior, you must quickly intervene before they become a bad habit. Here is an excellent dog training guide that will help you groom your dogs into perfect pets!

Having the Best Dog Training Guide is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

If Your Dog Has a Tendency to Bite

During playtimes, your dogs may nip other canines. However, this is a very natural behavior. Your dog may in turn bite you because they perceive this as acceptable behavior. To eliminate this behavior, you can first give them chew toys. Supervise their sessions with the toys. Fill a can with some coins so that you can hear the clinging sound when you shake it. When your dog bites the chew toy, shake the can to shock him. Gradually, he will stop his biting behavior.

If Your Pet Likes to Eat Its Own Feces
If your dog feeds on its own feces, he has a high risk of developing health problems. Dogs tend to eat feces when they are bored or hungry. Feed your dog well and with special diets that will give the feces a pungent smell when passed. As the owner, it is your responsibility to eliminate its stool when your dog is done.

If Your Dog Loves To Chase

Dogs find it a thrill to chase after moving objects or persons. You will have to eliminate this behavior because you may lose him when he runs off. He can also get into an accident when he chases after a car. Partner up with someone, who will be the runner. Give him a water pistol. When he begins to chase your partner, the latter should suddenly stop and turn to squirt water in your pets face. This will shock your dog. Repeat this training until your dog no longer chases after things or people.

If Your Dog Barks Excessively

Identify the reason why your dog is barking. If he is seeking your attention, you must not give in to his cries. You will only be encouraging him; he knows that all he has to do is bark and you will give him due attention. Instead, ignore his barks until he stops. Then, go to him and cuddle him. This tells him that he is being rewarded for being quiet.

Another excellent tip to prevent your dog from barking excessively is to get him to exercise. A dog barks when he is bored. If you engage him in physical activities, he is less likely to bark. A worn out dog will need to recover and replenish his energy. Thus, it is a good idea to bring your dog out on a long walk before night time. This way, you don’t have to worry about him disturbing the peace at night.

These are some common tips that most dog owners look for in a dog training guide. If you seem to have a problem managing your dog’s behavior, you can try to apply these techniques.

The post The Perfect Dog Training Guide – Eliminate Bad Behavior Fast! first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Dogs are creatures of habit and once they pick up a bad habit they have a tendency to repeat it. Bad habits can be detrimental to the dog’s health and cause him to be in danger. If your dog is displaying negative behavior, you must quickly intervene before they become a bad habit. Here is an excellent dog training guide that will help you groom your dogs into perfect pets!

Having the Best Dog Training Guide is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

If Your Dog Has a Tendency to Bite

During playtimes, your dogs may nip other canines. However, this is a very natural behavior. Your dog may in turn bite you because they perceive this as acceptable behavior. To eliminate this behavior, you can first give them chew toys. Supervise their sessions with the toys. Fill a can with some coins so that you can hear the clinging sound when you shake it. When your dog bites the chew toy, shake the can to shock him. Gradually, he will stop his biting behavior.

If Your Pet Likes to Eat Its Own Feces
If your dog feeds on its own feces, he has a high risk of developing health problems. Dogs tend to eat feces when they are bored or hungry. Feed your dog well and with special diets that will give the feces a pungent smell when passed. As the owner, it is your responsibility to eliminate its stool when your dog is done.

If Your Dog Loves To Chase

Dogs find it a thrill to chase after moving objects or persons. You will have to eliminate this behavior because you may lose him when he runs off. He can also get into an accident when he chases after a car. Partner up with someone, who will be the runner. Give him a water pistol. When he begins to chase your partner, the latter should suddenly stop and turn to squirt water in your pets face. This will shock your dog. Repeat this training until your dog no longer chases after things or people.

If Your Dog Barks Excessively

Identify the reason why your dog is barking. If he is seeking your attention, you must not give in to his cries. You will only be encouraging him; he knows that all he has to do is bark and you will give him due attention. Instead, ignore his barks until he stops. Then, go to him and cuddle him. This tells him that he is being rewarded for being quiet.

Another excellent tip to prevent your dog from barking excessively is to get him to exercise. A dog barks when he is bored. If you engage him in physical activities, he is less likely to bark. A worn out dog will need to recover and replenish his energy. Thus, it is a good idea to bring your dog out on a long walk before night time. This way, you don’t have to worry about him disturbing the peace at night.

These are some common tips that most dog owners look for in a dog training guide. If you seem to have a problem managing your dog’s behavior, you can try to apply these techniques.

The post The Perfect Dog Training Guide – Eliminate Bad Behavior Fast! first appeared on Puppy Blog.

When it comes to dog collars, the myriad choices can be mighty confusing. You can choose from simple leashes, special training collars for dogs with behavioral issues and tracking collars to keep your pet safe and secure. One thing most people get confused about is whether dog tracking collars and training collars are interchangeable. To put it simply – they aren’t. There are a host of different types of dog training collars itself that are used mainly to teach a new dog or puppy good habits or even break bad habits. dog tracking collars on the other hand are used to track and locate a missing pet using the latest GPS technology. Whatever reason you may have there are plenty of choices for the concerned pet owner.

Dog Training Collars: There are dog training collars for all types of behavioral problems. Choosing the correct one would depend on the type of dog and the issue at hand. For example, does your dog bark excessively? An electric shock collar might be necessary. Electric shock collars are not as cruel as they sound. When a dog continues barking even after being reprimanded, a small shock can be administered, which serves to break this unhealthy pattern. This produces only a minor discomfort and has been proven to be very effective in the long run. There is also a choke collar or a chain clip collar that offers maximum control over your pet. Used mainly for larger and more unruly dogs, these are popular training tools and used for disciplining and control. Dog training collars are often imperative in protecting your pet from dangerous situations as well. If your dog has a tendency to run after cars, the correct usage of the collar can break this unsafe habit. In the end, dog training collars can be used not only to remedy bad habits but also train puppies and dogs in discipline and good behavior. That said, they should be used with discretion and not as a regular collar. If you do not recognize the proper use of such collars, you could in fact cause more damage than good.

Dog Tracking Collars: Discovering that your pet has gone missing is probably one of the most stressful experiences to go through as a pet owner. But now, thanks to the latest GPS technology, there is a new, highly effective way of keeping track of your pet at all times. Using the same satellite technology used in your cars and mobile phones, a GPS dog tracking collar will keep you informed about the whereabouts of your pet 24/7. It will alert you with email or phone updates every time your pet moves away from his predetermined safe zones. It can also give you directions on how to get to your pet if he goes missing. Position Animals Worldwide (PAW) has recently teamed with the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) team to create and develop the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator. SpotLight has the advantage of being water resistant, compact, lightweight, and long lasting. And with a lifetime enrollment in the AKC CAR’s Recovery Service, owners of the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator have access to their call center and the best recovery team available. With SpotLight, tracking and recovery of lost dog is no longer an issue and your missing pet will be returned safely to your home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The post The Difference Between Dog Tracking Collars & Dog Training Collars first appeared on Puppy Blog.

A dog’s breed and temperament, combined with your lifestyle and personality, all play an important role in determining what kind of dog is the best fit for you. For instance, a slight or shy person could find a large-breed dog-especially one that is boisterous or hyperactive-difficult to control. On the other hand, a timid, little dog may not be a suitable match for an adventuresome, outgoing, or loud person. So with all the choices available, how do you go about selecting the right dog for you? Deciding Between a Puppy and a Full-Grown Dog If you are considering adopting a dog, first determine whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Adopting a puppy has certain advantages-you will be able to choose one with the best temperament for you and ensure it gets a proper education before behavioral problems or bad habits develop. But puppies bring added responsibilities, too. During the first few months, a puppy requires more of your time than an older dog.

• Puppies should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
• They need to be fed several times a day, constantly monitored, and handled with care.
• Owners must fill the void created when they take a puppy away from its mother and littermates.
• Attention is required to properly house-train the puppy.
• Other training is required with goals suitable for the puppy’s age. (Training goals will change as the puppy matures.)

If you do not have the time required for a puppy, consider adopting a full-grown dog that has already gone through the puppy stage.

• Usually an older dog will be housebroken and less likely to chew anything and everything within reach.
  • More advanced training can begin immediately.
  • As a newcomer to your family, however, even older dogs require attention and understanding while they become oriented to a new environment.

Before adopting an older dog, learn as much as you can about its background, such as details of its diet so you can be sure any change in diet will not be abrupt. If adopting a dog from another home, ask for a favorite item, such as a toy, a blanket, or a pillow that the dog can take with him. This will help in the transition. Understanding the Importance of TemperamentTemperament has nothing to do with a dog’s size, breed or upbringing-temperament is something innate in a dog. A dog’s temperament has a lot to do with how easily it can be trained and, while good training can improve certain traits in a dog, training cannot change the dog’s temperament. There are a variety of temperaments in dogs, and some dogs can have a combination of temperament traits, but generally speaking, dogs have four basic temperament types:

1. Nervous – This bottom-of-the-pack dog requires more effort and perseverance on your part to train. An older, nervous dog can act in a variety of ways around strangers. It might bark but then back off, or circle while barking and growling. Another nervous type might settle down when the stranger is seated but bark and possibly try to attack when the visitor gets up to leave. Its fear of strangers makes a nervous dog a challenge to train.
2. Timid – Also a bottom-of-the-pack dog, a timid dog will hold its ears back, squirm, put its tail between its legs, or roll onto its back. You can easily train this type of dog once it recognizes you as its leader.
3. Dominant – This top-of-the-pack dog requires owners to demonstrate their own dominance through a consistent and committed effort to train the dog, no matter how long it takes. When around strangers, this dog stands its ground and, under some circumstances, attacks. It will not relinquish its leadership position easily and, if you move too quickly with training, it might bite you. With professional help and a lot of determination, even the most dominant dogs can be trained.
4. Middle of the Pack – This dog is easy to train because it wants to please its owners out of respect for them as the leaders of the pack. Usually friendly toward strangers and not aggressive toward other dogs, this type of dog is delightful to own.

Spotting a Puppy’s Temperament Even if the puppy is very young, you can tell its temperament. Within the litter, watch how the puppies run and play to determine where each puppy stands in the litter’s pecking order. More dominant puppies act bossy by standing over the other littermates. Less dominant puppies act submissive by rolling over or lowering their heads. Then, observe the individual puppy you are considering adopting when it’s alone with you. A well-adjusted puppy will follow you freely when you lead it. Then drop a soft glove or cloth near the puppy and watch its reaction:

• A confident puppy will approach the object immediately to investigate. While this puppy could grow up to be a well-adjusted dog, it is likely to be strong-willed and might be a challenge for a soft-natured person.
• A less-dominant pup will jump and move away when the object is dropped, but it will usually return fairly quickly to investigate. Less bossy than the more confident puppy described above, this puppy will make a great pet.
• The puppy that takes longer to approach and runs around the object acting as if it is alive and might attack is a little timid but still will make a wonderful pet with proper, gentle training.
• The puppy that barks at the object, runs away and crouches down or refuses to return to the spot has a more nervous temperament and could be a difficult pet. More patience will be required during training.

Finally, lift and hold the puppy in your arms. A pup that settles in and sits still is far more acceptable than one that wriggles and tries to escape. Choosing the Best Breed for Your Personality In addition to recognizing an individual dog’s temperament, you would do well to investigate the breed that best suits your needs. Listed here are some of the most popular breeds and, based on our experience with hundreds of thousands of dogs worldwide, how their personalities and characteristics might match the requirements of different types of owners. While some breeds do have tendencies toward a certain temperament, keep in mind that this is not absolute. Use the information as a guide, but we recommend you make your final decision based on background information and observation. Sociable Dogs with Soft, Even Temperaments These breeds are typically less demanding and more docile, making them perfect for elderly people and families with children. They are loving and respond well to lots of attention, and prefer to not be left alone.

• American Cocker Spaniel
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Golden Retriever
• Lhasa Apso
• Poodle
• West Highland White Terrier
• Whippet

Dogs that Require More Discipline Often exuberant, many of these breeds require more discipline and exercise-but are great for people with lots of energy. Their loyal, loving natures still make them wonderful family pets.

• Afghan Hound
• Boxer
• Bull Terrier
• English Cocker Spaniel
• Dachshund
• Dalmatian
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd
• Great Dane
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Rottweiler

One-Person Dogs

Protective of their homes and owners, these breeds are perfect for people who live alone. Not in all cases, but these breeds tend to be less suitable for families.

• Chihuahua
• Chow Chow
• Maltese
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzu

Mixed Breeds

Generally hardier and less prone to hereditary faults, mixed breeds can be pets that are just as good-and sometimes better-than purebreds. Still, some are better than others. As a basic guideline, a pup is likely to inherit its size from its mother but be slightly smaller than its largest parent.

Designer Dogs

Designer breeds, a cross between two purebred dogs, were developed to create a mix of the best characteristics of each breed. For instance, the Goldendoodle combines the family-friendly traits of the Golden Retriever with the non-shedding, hypoallergenic traits of the Poodle. Some of the more popular mixed hybrids are the:

• Puggle (Pug / Beagle)
• Schnoodle (Schnauzer / Poodle)
• Labradoodle (Labrador / Poodle)
• Chorkie (Chihuahua / Yorkshire Terrier)

Just like people, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. A dog’s breed and temperament, combined with your lifestyle and personality all play an important role in determining what kind of dog is best for you. Do a bit of research first, then visit your local shelter. There is a dog with the perfect temperament for everyone.

The post Selecting The Right Dog For You And Your Family first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Bringing home an adult dog is very different from bringing home a puppy. A puppy is able to learn new commands fairly quickly but an adult dog is accustomed with the old tricks. He may also have developed some bad habits which his previous owner allowed. If you found your dog from a shelter, chances are he had learned different commands and undergone training. However, old dogs can also adapt and change their behaviors to your expectations. You will just have to be patient with your adult dog training.

Having the Best Dog Training is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

House Training Your Adult Dog
If you are bringing home an adult dog from a shelter, the first thing you have to ascertain is whether or not he is housetrained. If not, you will need to train him immediately. Having been shuffled around many foster homes, your dog will need some time adjusting to the new environment. Be sure to show him his litter bathroom area where he should excrete. Compliment him as he does it right.

Crate Training
Crate training is always one of the hardest aspects of dog training for an older dog. Most dos do not enjoy being in a crate and they think of a crate as a prison. You should always ensure that the crate is spacious and comfortable for your dog. You can place some toys in the crate and make it homely. You can even place some blankets inside the crate. As a start, you can consider leaving the door of the crate open and allow your dog to discover it on his own time. He will begin to explore it and in time come to think of it as a safe haven.

Alternatively, you can begin crate training on your own terms. Always start off gradually. Get him to enter the crate and keep him inside for a short period of time, and then let him out. On some days, keep the door latched. On other days, keep it opened so that your dog can leave it freely. This way, he will not associate it with a prison.

Teaching Your Adult Dog New Behaviors
When carrying out adult dog training, focus more on teaching your dog new commands rather than correcting his behaviors and punishing him for it. Remember, it is not entirely his fault that he developed these bad habits. His previous owners may have encouraged him. Instead, you may want to ignore his advances. For example, if he comes up to you and begs for food when you are at the dining table, you should turn a blind eye to it. Only when he tries bolder moves such as jumping on you or the table, you would then have to reprimand him.

The best way to get your adult dog to kick this habit of his is to teach him new behaviors. Execute basic commands and get him to stay in another room as you are dining. Bring your dog to the spot you want him to be and instruct him to stay put. Repeat this training until he gets that you want him to remain in this spot as you eat. Adult dog training requires much patience and effort on your part. It won’t be easy but once you have successfully trained your dog, you may have a very meaningful relationship with him.

The post 3 Secrets To Adult Dog Training – Tips To Train The Adult Dog first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Training your puppy to grow into a happy and healthy family member starts the moment you bring him through the door. A puppy is a brand new life and needs to be acclimated to his surroundings and learn at an early age what’s acceptable behavior. The longer you wait to train and correct your puppy, the harder it will be to break his bad habits. Many new dog owners do not step up to the plate with training in fear that they will alienate their furry friend. However, a new puppy wants desperately to please you and the only way to make his dreams come true is to correct him. Kindness is king and should always be the rule when reinforcing your puppy’s behavior. He cannot understand harsh tones and angry words which will terrify him to no end. Always train and correct in love, and he will learn at his own pace how to please you.

When a puppy bites someone, there is usually no malice attached, however, if left uncorrected, this behavior may land him under quarantine. Dog bites are also the number issue of litigation and can wipe out a hefty savings account with just one nip. To keep your dog out of hot water, it’s essential to begin early and break the bite before it starts.

1. Puppies must learn socialization skills as early as possible. Your dog may be friend and protector to you, however, you must ensure he doesn’t become aggressive with others. Early socialization begins with exposing your puppy to people that you trust will treat him kindly. Young children should be supervised in the early stages of the puppy’s life to ensure that the animal is not frightened by loud, jarring vocals.

2. Don’t play too roughly with a new puppy that does not have the cognition skills to separate play from aggression. A healthy puppy wants to play with gusto, just be sure that you are not encouraging any growling or forceful behavior.

3. If your puppy was born at home and is still attached to his mother, she is a good teacher to instruct the puppy about bite inhibition. The mother dog teaches through playtime what biting pressure is socially acceptable, and she will give him a good nip if he accidentally crosses the line.

4. Until your puppy has displayed his social graces, it’s a good idea to refrain from engaging him in biting games. Tug-of-war and chew toy wrestling will stimulate his appetite for using his teeth, whether he means to bite someone or not. After the first few months, there’s plenty of time to introduce him to playtime with his teeth.

5. When your puppy has learned right from wrong, yet chooses to do his own thing, you must be quick with correction and let him know who’s in charge. A sassy puppy may test his limits with you, so be sure to correct him with a firm “no” when he snaps his teeth.

The post Puppy Training: Tips To Stop a Bite first appeared on Puppy Blog.

The best time to begin training your puppy is at the very beginning. It is easier to learn the right way to do things the first time than to have to unlearn bad habits first.

The first thing you will need to do after buying your puppy is to take it home. The safest way to carry your puppy is by using either a harness that attaches to the seatbelt or to use a dog carrier. A puppy who is unused to those devices might feel uncomfortable at first, and cry, or express a desire to sit on your lap. This is a dangerous practice and should not be encouraged. Use the doggy seatbelt or car seat in the beginning and your pup will soon get used to it.

When you reach home, the all-important puppy house training should begin. Fortunately, in most breeds there is an inborn instinct to eliminate away from where they live. Even the youngest of pups will often take some steps away from its mother before doing its business. Dogs are creatures of habit so as soon as you get home, begin taking the puppy to a spot where you want it to eliminate. Give it some time to walk around and explore its new environment. When it does its business, praise it for doing the right thing. Eliminating outside can be frightening at first, because that is when a dog is at his most vulnerable. To a puppy who is used to being inside, the great outdoors can be overwhelming at first, so don’t be surprised if it runs for cover. Gently take your puppy back to the right place, and reassure it that you are there for it. Take it back to the same place frequently, and give it time to sniff around. When it smells the odor of its last elimination, it will feel inspired to repeat its earlier performance. Again, supply plenty of praise.

Do not punish you pup for making mistakes. That will only make it afraid of you. Pushing the dog’s face into its feces is a dangerous practice. It can make it impossible for the animal to breath or cause an infection. When it has an accident, clean up the urine, or pick up the feces and take it outside, showing the dog where to put it. (After your demonstration, of course, you will want to throw the waste away). The use of dog repellants is not recommended because they can cause nausea and vomiting.

When walking your dog you will want to use a leash to keep it safe. This puppy training should begin with a six feet long leash attached to a collar or harness. The use of a choke collar is discouraged, because it causes discomfort. You should be able to get two fingers between your puppy’s neck and the collar. The width of the leash depends upon the size of the dog. A small breed such as a shih-tzu or Chihuahua can probably use the narrowest leash your neighborhood pet supply store has to offer. A German shepherd or a Great Dane would obviously need a much thicker one. First attach the leash to the puppy’s collar (choke collars are not necessary) and have the puppy stand to your left.

Say “Sit,” and gently push down the puppy’s rear end until it is sitting. Reward the puppy with praise or a treat when it is sitting. The next command to teach is “down”, and it is taught in the same way.

Say the command and pull the puppy’s front paws until it is in a “Sphinx” position. Reward with a treat or praise. This is puppy training is especially good for large breeds, since it can be used when smaller dogs are around to reassure them that your large dog will not harm them.

To teach the pup to walk with a leash, say “Come on.” Then gently pull the dog along, on your left side. Reward the puppy with praise or a treat when he does walks along beside you without pulling. This kind of leash walking can be used where there is a good amount of room around.

When you are walking your dog in a crowded place, such as an outdoor fair, you will want your pet to know “heel.” Say the command and gently pull the puppy next to your heel. Reward the dog when it obeys.

The last command on our agenda is “stay,” which is useful when you have guests over who are afraid of dogs, or if you want to open the door to bring in the groceries and don’t want your dog to run off. Give the command and then walk off a few feet. If the dog tries to follow you, put the puppy back to the same place, give the command again, and walk off a few feet. Start by staying away only a few seconds, return, and give the dog a reward. Gradually increase the time as the dog learns.

Remember, puppy training should be a good experience for both of you, because you will be this puppy’s caregiver for the rest of its life and it will be your companion and friend. When you are both comfortable with the basics, you might want to teach your new friend some tricks. That puppy training will be the subject of future articles. Have fun.

Learn more dog training tips at Dog Training MD

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