The methods used with young puppies are different from those used with adults because pups are so clueless. Since pups are great readers of and responders to body language, such as pointing right with the arm when you want to turn right, you can use this technique to instil basics in other areas.
Once the pup will walk along with you and do turns and stops, you can begin refining the movements. Let’s take the beginning of a sequence of heeling for an example. After you give the heel command, start walking with the left foot first. Your left foot is nearest to the pup and he will see it move immediately as you step forward. The movement of the left foot will become a cue that the pup must move forward with you.
In more advanced exercises such as the sit-stay, you will leave the sitting dog by beginning with the right foot. When you use your right foot, the pup will know that he must stay. Left foot, the pup comes with; right foot, the pup stays. That first step on the left foot should be of a size that allows the pup to get up with you and not fall behind. The smaller the dog, the smaller the initial step off must be.
Chewing at the leash while walking can frequently be a puppy problem. He is probably doing it because he’s teething but there are other reasons as well. Owners who play tug-of-war with their pups often see the game extended to the lead; it is not a great game.
Tug games teach the dog to bite and not let go. Yanking the lead out of the dog’s mouth could hurt his teeth. Just remove it gently and try to keep it out of the way. Ideally, there should be that hanging loop of slack in the lead but holding it out of the way as loosely as possible is a temporary solution and may work. Giving the dog a toy or bone to carry might work with some dogs. They usually outgrow this behaviour as they mature and begin to focus on the work.
Corrections must be carefully thought through. The pup has no idea what is going on. You need to be as clear and concise as possible. There may be times though when the pup is being stubborn or sharp. Give a light correction with a twist of the wrist to give him a heads-up, “That’s not what we do” and carry on.
In this stage of learning, many pup errors are authored by your failure to communicate effectively so analyze the events leading to the misstep and own your part, if any, in it. You are a team. Did your buddy fumble the ball because there was too much spin on it when you threw it? Teach the lessons as clearly as you can. Don’t scold and say no, no, no, no. Ignore what you don’t want and focus on what you want. When you get it, praise. Like the old song says, “Accentuate the positive/ Eliminate the negative/ Latch on to the affirmative/ Don’t mess with Mr. In Between!”
Ravinn O. West is kennelmaster and trainer at Ravendale Kennel and Training Centre at Cochrane, Alberta. Her latest book, The Tao of Dogs is available from www.ravinnwest.com You may send questions or comments to her via [email protected]
