NEWSLETTER
How wonderful to have warmer temperatures and sunshine once again! Our dog family also welcome this, but are hoping that the mud will soon dry up so that they can play together and stay dry. It is not only the younger dogs that love to run and wrestle, even the older dogs enjoy seeing who can run the fastest and tug at each other.
Exercise is an important part of a dog’s life and a good indication of its health. Make sure that your dog has adequate food and water constantly available, as well as exercise twice a day if you have to keep it in a confined area. However, remember that dogs also spend a great deal of their day just lying around and sleeping. They do not need to be entertained or exercised all day long. Dogs like routine and will very quickly learn what is expected and when. Our own dogs quickly get used to having to be put in their runs when we have visitors coming to look at the pups, when the cars arrive, after having barked a welcome, they obediently run to their individual runs when I say: “In you go” and wait for me to close their gate.
People have often asked me how I train our dogs so well, but when your dog loves you it wants to please you and so is very willing to do what you ask in order to receive praise and a loving touch. A well trained older dog is the role model for the younger dogs, so my training for a well-mannered dog is minimized.
Some basic training will teach your pup what is expected from him. It will also make him feel secure and loved when he knows he is doing the right thing and pleasing you. Basic training is based on a system of correction and reward. It is important that when correcting your pup you do not lose your temper or shout angrily at the pup when it hasn’t caught on quick enough. It is counteractive to hit your pup. The learning experience needs to be a happy experience if it is to be successful. All you need is your voice and a firm “No” is enough correction for most puppies. The reward for correct behavior or response needs to be a demonstration of love as well as some treat that he likes. Dog biscuits work well as training treats. If you give your pup a dog biscuit while telling him what a good dog he is in a happy voice, he will learn that praise is a good thing and can be used as a reward in itself. You can begin with very simple training with your new puppy, such as wearing a collar and learning to walk on a lead, which I have covered elsewhere.
Only at about 12 to 16 weeks can you begin teaching your pup the 5 basic commands and always keep training sessions brief – like 5 or 10 minutes only – and end on a positive note with love and praise. We will talk about teaching the 5 basic commands in our next newsletter.