• Sample pages
• Page 1
  • Move
  • Close

  Introduction

  The first few days after bringing a new puppy home are exciting, full of loves and cuddles and lots of potty breaks. There is so much to learn, to remember; to do and not do. And there is so much information out there it is impossible to decide what and who is right or wrong.

  The good news is that you can choose a theory that works for you and chances are your dog will turn out quite fine. The bottom line depends upon the sort of relationship you want to have with your dog. In fact, in many ways, your relationship with your dog often reflects your communication style with other people in your life.

  This eBook is laid out to help you address your immediate needs first like how do I potty train, and will end with a brief review on theory.

  The theory is important so that you can not only understand why certain training methods work, but you can decide what you are most comfortable with. Now – go play and train. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
• Page 2
  • Move
  • Close

  Chapter 1- Got a Puppy, Now What? The Right Age to Start Training

  It used to be that people would wait until the dog was old enough to understand before beginning training. But understand what? Common theory was training should start when the dog is about one year old. Can you imagine if we just catered to a baby’s every need until they were seven (or one in dog years) and then started training and educating the child?

  I believe that you can start training your puppy as soon as you get one. Training your puppy is probably the most important thing you can do for guaranteeing a lifelong relationship with a well adjusted and well behaved dog when he or she grows up.

  Dog training is NOT something that you will start at a certain age and then stop when you feel your dog has learned what you need for him to know. There are different levels of training that you will do as your puppy and then dog grows. Think of training a dog as you would be in any other relationship. The difference is that you will be the full caretaker of this animal and you can’t expect total logical behavior back. As in I pay your allowance, you will always to the dishes. The nice thing is that while your dog will not wash the dishes, she will love you and want to do what you ask most of the time. All your dog wants from you is affection, love, food and guidance as to what behavior from her keeps you happy.

  Dogs’ brains develop gradually and you will be adapting the training as they grow, so training can start as early as seven weeks, and most certainly the day you bring your puppy home.

  The more you understand how and when your puppy’s brain develops, the more easily you will be able to move to the next level of training. It is also important to remember that not all breeds of dogs develop at the same rate. In fact dogs from the same litter could also develop at slightly different rates. Be careful not to get frustrated or concerned if your dog seems a bit behind schedule. Take advantage of the ahead of schedule pups, but don’t push so hard that they rebel.

  I will say this over and over, so repeat it to yourself often as you will need it: consistency and patience are two key tools to make the training process fun and rewarding.
• About the Author
  • Move
  • Close

  Miriam Hughes has been training dogs formally for the past ten years. She has run her own training service and has conducted dog training classes at PetSmart. She studied canine behavior through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, and her training style is influenced by Ian Dunbar, Pat Miller and other forefathers and mothers of the positive reinforcement method of training.

  Her primary goal is to have everyone communicating with the dog and one another on the most common level possible, avoiding confusion, resentment and misplaced anger and acting out from any family member. A secondary goal is to educate and inform as many people as possible so that more dogs get to stay home with the family that first adopted them, be it a new puppy or older dog, and not end up in rescue centers.

$4.95