Pet Haven

When you start to train a puppy you there are three main strategies that you need to apply that are similar to ones you would use when teaching toddlers.  These are:

Keep instructions simple

Keep instructions consistent

Keep your patience

With both toddlers and puppies the best instructions use only one word.  This means that the little one can more quickly associate that one word with the action that you require.  As both children and puppies usually want to make you happy, and so carry out your instruction, the more simple it is, the faster they’ll be able to make the connection and so deliver what you require. 

Instructions should be consistent.  If, for example, you are teaching your puppy to sit, then the instruction should always be “sit”.  Don’t confuse the issue by saying “please sit”, or “sit down”.  Even if it sounds as if you’re repeating yourself, keep the word the same.  A simple “sit” said in a controlled voice, as you press lightly onto him so that he’s in a sitting position will get him to realize that when he hears that word, he immediately sits down – thus getting him rewarded and praise.  This shows him that when he heard that word, and did the action, he made you happy and that’s what he wants.  At first it may not work every time, but if he doesn’t sit when you tell him, go back over the exercise with the same word and same controlled voice you first used.  Consistency is the key with both kids and dogs!

Patience is a primary quality that both parents and dog owners need to develop.  If you don’t have it, then you need to fake it!  Practice deep breathing exercises before a training session.  Don’t even think about trying to teach your puppy – or toddler – something if you are already stressed out.  They’ll both pick up on your agitated state and this will affect how they interact with you.  If you approach the training/teaching session calmly it’s much more likely to go well. 

Remember that both youngsters and puppies aim to please.  They want to do well.  They want your positive attention and praise.  If they aren’t getting what you’re trying to teach them, take a look at how you are trying to teach it – it could be something as simple as changing the tone of your voice that’s needed in order to see some degree of success.

Writer: I wrote this as someone believes in the owners responsibility towards their pets, a good owner provides a healthy diet, has bought things like pet insurance to cover medical expensis, and most importantly has trained their animal. The better behaved a dog, the more freedom you can give to that animal.

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