Common Training Mistakes
Giving the puppy too much freedom too soon. We keep Jack in the room with us at all times. If he’s “potted” in the last few minutes, he is allowed to rip and race around THAT room for about 20 minutes, increasing the amount of time with each week. Then he goes in his playpen until the next potty break. The goal is to teach him to “hold it,” and if he’s allowed to run freely with me watching for the signs of imminent piddle, he’s not learning anything, and I spend my time hovering.
Allowing misbehavior to become a habit. I try to stress that one day one, you should “show” the puppy that all four feet belong on the ground, not on your legs. Chewing on your fingers is another example of bad behavior that we’re all guilty of allowing at eight weeks and then confused about why the 12-week old puppy is chomping down on you – cause you to let it.
Letting a puppy think he’s in charge. The puppy that nudges you for a head rub or ignores you when it’s called is showing you he’s boss. Howling until you open the crate door, tell him he’s got your number too.
Not using a crate because you think it’s not kind. It’s simply a training tool, just like a baby’s crib or playpen. A crated puppy is going to stay out of mischief and be safe while you’re away or busy. It’s only cruel if the puppy remains in the crate for too many hours. One hour per month of age, plus one is the maximum for a puppy. So for a three-month-old puppy, no longer than 4 hours.
- Show the puppy what you want, praise like crazy when performing the command correctly, and use gentle correction with reinstruction when they fail to perform as requested.
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