Must-Do Training For Your Puppy

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     There are some commands that you must teach. 'Stay' is one of them. It is important that a puppy understands that the word stay means not to move. You can teach your puppy to use this command in a seated or lying down position, but you must make sure he knows what to do. This may take a lot of practice, telling him to 'stay' and walking away. If he moves to follow, you should act surprised and take him back to the starting point. If he listens and stays, even for just a second or two, praise him for listening and doing what you have told him to do. You will be able to extend the time you ask him to stay as he gets more and more accustomed to the command.

Another important trait in a dog is to walk on a leash without pulling. You can use the 'heel' command to teach this lesson. You will also have to practice this lesson over and over to make him understand what you want him to do. Another important trait is to get your dog to let you know when he wants to go out. This could be a bark, or sitting at the door. He should learn not to jump up when he greets people. A good way to do this is to have him sit when people approach.

He should also learn control when others approach. He should not bark or run towards anyone until you allow it. Inside the house, you should not let him get on your furniture. If you want, you may allow him on one piece of furniture that he knows is alright. Also you should train him against begging for food at the table. Unfortunately family members may make this difficult by being tempted to feed him.

Don't let your dog out to get into trouble. He should not be allowed off your property without a leash. You may think that means he doesn't need training, but that is not true. On the off chance he does get out, listening to your orders and responding to commands can save his life. For example, a woman who had a number of well-trained spaniels left her door open as she went to her car, across the street.

When she looked back, she saw her dogs coming down the steps, and a car was coming down the street. Using the commands she had taught them she commanded 'down.' And they did as they were told just as the car zoomed by. Then she allowed them to come, and appreciated the obedience training she had given them.