Puppy Training Tips


JUMPING ON PEOPLE

Does your puppy jump on you? The next time he comes running, spread your fingers fan-like and say "No jumping!" If he jumps up in spite of the warning, bump his nose once with the palm of your hand. Tell him "Sit!" Then pat him.

If you are training a big dog, lift your knee and bump his chest. A tumble backward should teach him to keep his paws on the ground. After you bump him, pat him or his feelings will be hurt.

HOUSE-BREAKING

When your puppy is three or four months old, it is time to house-break him. Pick up the papers. From now on, he must go to the bathroom outdoors.

These rules help to house-break a puppy:

* Don't let the puppy run loose in the house unless he has done everything outside.
* Take the puppy outdoors when he wakes in the morning.
* Take him outdoors the last thing at night.
* Take him out after he eats, after he plays and when he wakes up from a nap.
* Praise him when he does what he should outdoors.

When your puppy is free in the house, you must be there to watch him. When he sniffs the floor and runs around excitedly, hurry! Take him outdoors. For the first few times you give the puppy the run of the house, take him out after the first fifteen minutes and then every hour.

At night, tie the puppy where you can hear him if he asks to go out, or put him in a crate or a wire cage so he can't wander. When a puppy roams, he is apt to wet.

When your puppy makes a mistake in the house, take him by the collar and show him where he did wrong. Shame him and then shake him. If you did not catch him in the act, don't be too angry with him.

If your puppy wets or messes in front of you, you can be more strict. Toss something, like his leash or a small magazine, and startle him. Call him and pat him.

Every puppy should be trained to go to the bathroom on leash. If your puppy won't cooperate, tie him where you can watch him or put him in a crate until it is time for his next outing.

When you take your puppy out for exercise:

* Fasten two leashes together to give him more freedom.
* Take him where other dogs have been.
* Keep telling him "Duties! Duties!"

When he does what he should, praise him and pat him. Let him know you are pleased.