Dog Training Commands - Preschool Puppy Training In Fetching
On August 28, 2010 in General
The first positive command that your puppy should learn is the command to sit. By making it the first command, it therefore becomes the positive word that first be written on the puppy’s “chalkboard mind”. In other words, at this age his mind is like a chalkboard - and not too much has been written on it yet.
All the thoughts that get written on it at this age should be constructive. Afterward, we will write the negative word “no” on the puppy’s mind. The word “no” is a dog training command which is the only negative command you should ever say. Words which you’ll use when it becomes necessary to scold your pup are not considered “commands” but are simply words, the tone of which leave no doubt in the puppy’s mind that you are doing some disciplining. The “no” command will come to mean something to the puppy, no matter what tone of voice you use.
Distractions Must Be Less
It is recommended that the area you use for your puppy’s preschool training in fetch and sit be as distraction-free as possible. Although we will approach this preschool training seriously, your puppy should view it as game time. This “game” must have a maximum of 10 minutes. If it does, the puppy will become bored with it all.
If you continue while his being bored, then future games with you will be a “real drag” and, of course, non-productive. With just a few distraction, it will be easy to keep the puppy’s mind upon the game.
Let’s Begin
To start on, select a toy that your puppy has shown a particular liking for, then seat yourself upon the floor. This puts you down nearer to the puppy’s level and, among other things, will make easier to convey the “game” atmosphere.
Make sure that the puppy’s leash is accurately affixed and that you are holding the other end. For a couple of seconds, toss the toy up and down, simply just enough to draw attention to your puppy. Then, toss it out a few feet away from you encouraging the puppy to retrieve it. You can encourage him with things like “Come on boy… pick it up! You can do it! C’moooon boy! Good doggie!”.
There’s enough verbiage there to ensure not a single word sticks on that chalkboard; but your tone of voice, together with your enthusiasm are the prime considerations here. If the puppy show interest when he go to that object, that will serve as the basis of giving praise and further encouragement. If he picks up the toy and brings it back to you, really pour on the praise and toss it out again.
Try to get four such retrievals into your first ten-minute play session. Afterward, remove the leash and then give him a treat or a tidbit at the end of the game - a cookie or other food reinforcement. Why the tidbit? Why not just praise? Recall that your puppy is now 9 weeks old, and praise just hasn’t had time to become that big of a thing. Sure, it’s nice at this point in life, but it is still better to get a food reward.