I love some of the Victoria Stilwell training videos for puppies. I certainly believe in modifying any training technique to suit you and your puppy, use these videos as a starting point. Your new puppy should not be in a class situation until after their entire set of puppy vaccinations which will end at about 4 months. These videos will help you get off to a good start.
Teach Your Puppy to Sit
I love this one – notice the puppy is hungry and there are no noise/activity distractions going on.
Teach Your Puppy to Lie Down
This one is great as well. My boys are great about doing this trick – getting them to stay longer than a second took a little more work.
Come When Called
This is so important before you take your dog out in the big exciting world. You want your puppy to come to your call no matter the temptation.
Loose Leash Walking
Making U-turns when they pull is very effective. I need pepto bismol when we begin the initial training – but be consistent – it really works.
Here are a few tips for housebreaking
How to House Train a Puppy
This is for “indoor” training especially for those that will be leaving their puppy during work hours. Another option is to have a small fenced gravel area right outside a laundry room or basement door with a doggy door and have the crate inside. This method provides a “potty are” in your yard and a space inside that’s safe from the heat of the summer and bad weather.
How to Potty Train a Puppy
I like this one a little better for general housebreaking guidelines.
Things I’ve learned with my own dogs
• For the first few days, trips outside are for potty ONLY – we play and chase balls in the house until I can say “outside” and they run to the door expecting to go potty.
• If you have two doors, use one for “potty” time, go back inside and exit through the other for “play” time. The goal is to reinforce the “potty” que without promoting the “play” cue at 10pm.
• By feeding the final meal of the day early (4:30 pm at our house) and water by 7pm, the need for middle of the night potty breaks was eliminated.
Get Ready for the Big Day
Some great ideas, however, I don’t agree with the entire video. I believe the entire family is welcome and it is NOT safe to hold the puppy on your lap.
You must be logged in to post a comment.