How to Train Your Puppy

There are quite a few rules for you puppy to learn before he is properly trained. Here are some of the important ones.

The new Puppy

Never give a puppy the run of the house. If you don't have a play pen or a wire cage, keep the puppy in the bathroom or kitchen with a gate across the door. Put papers on the floor. Take away things a puppy might chew (like rugs and chairs) and give him a toy to play with. (He will love one made of rawhide.) Look in often and if he is being good, tell him "Good boy!"

Staying Alone

Most kennel owners will tell you, "The first thing your puppy must learn is to stay alone so he won't bark when you leave him." Staying alone also teaches a puppy not to chew or wet in spite.

Give your puppy a clock that ticks loudly, a hot water bottle to cuddle against, or leave a radio playing, but don't go to him when he yells. Puppies like to have you come back to them even if it means a spanking. Instead, toss a magazine or a small pan at the door and say "Quiet!" Do this every time your puppy makes a fuss and he will soon learn to stay alone quietly.

Paper Breaking

Train your puppy to go to the bathroom on papers so he can have more freedom. When he selects one corner of the room for his duties, take up the other papers, a few at a time. If he misses the paper, shame him. If he does what he should on them, praise him and tell him he is a good puppy. Your puppy will soon learn what the papers are for.

After you have trained your puppy to use papers, put papers on the floor in the room where he sleeps. Place him on papers and hold him there with the leash, immediately after he eats. Put him on papers after he wakes from a nap or after an exciting game. Tell him "Duties! Duties!" When he does what he should, praise him and tell him he is a g-o-o-o-d boy.

House Manners

House rules include:
Little barking
No chewing
No stealing
Stay alone quietly
Stay off furniture
No jumping on people
Be clean in the house.

Your puppy will more quickly learn the difference between right and wrong:

If you are patient.
If you are watchful and prevent mistakes.
If you correct when mistakes are made.
If you correct every time a mistake is made.

For example: If you want your puppy to stay off the furniture, push him down every time he gets up. If he sneaks up when you aren't there, place something in his favorite chair that will jump or make a squawking noise. A wound-up toy should do the trick.

The Word "No"

If your puppy barks more than he should, cuff his nose gently and tell him "NO!"

If he uses the table leg for a bone or thinks the cookies in the dish belong to him, again tap his nose and tell him "NO!" Use this word every time your puppy does wrong.

If the puppy is where you can't reach him, throw a magazine near him. A puppy learns right from wrong by associating his act with pleasing or displeasing results.

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.

Start with these rules, and you will soon have an obedient dog.

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