So you're getting (or have gotten) a new family member! With a new dog comes new responsibilities. It is going to be up to you and the other members of your family to train, or perhaps teach is a better word, your dog the rules and regulations. You're going to want him to learn specific commands and to behave in a certain fashion. And chances are that there are behaviors that you are going to want to discourage or stop altogether. One of the keys to quick and easy dog training is consistency.
To make training as easy as possible, it's necessary for all members of the family including the puppy to understand exactly what the expectations of the household are. If you can, it would be advantageous to get the family together and carefully outline what the expectations of the house are going to be before you bring your new puppy home.
The initial list might include rules like the following:
The puppy is not allowed on the couch
The puppy is not to jump on people
The puppy is not allowed on the beds
The puppy is not allowed to beg at the table
The puppy is to always sit before the door is open
Once you have a set of rules laid out that everyone understands you have to make a list of command words. Whatever words you decide to you use is not important, but rather that everyone in the household uses the same words for each command. To accomplish this, write out a list of all the basic command words that you believe you are going to need. Do not worry if you don't think of them all seeing as you are most likely going to have to make additions to the list as time goes on anyways. A good idea might be to keep the list posted where everyone can easily refer to it when necessary. In addition, if you do find that you have to add to the list, be certain that the rest of the family are aware of the new additions.
This may seem a little silly but look at an example situation where you and your spouse find the dog on the sofa. You have been using the phrase “down” to teach the dog to lay flat on the ground, and you have been using the command word “off” to tell your pet that he is not allowed to sit on the couch. If your spouse tells the dog to “get down”, what is the dog going to do? Does he lie flat on the sofa? Or does he get up and move? You have confused the dog. This is why it is so important that all members of the family know exactly when and how to use each of the command words.
You also have to be certain that all members of the family follow the rules. It is not fair to the animal if one person lets the dog on the couch to watch TV and the others do not. The dog does not know which behavior is to be followed and all your dog training efforts will be for not.
So to avoid these unnecessary confusing situations, train the family, preferably before you bring your new friend home.
Bestsellers and Hot Products
GREENIES Original Large Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, 6 oz. Pack (4 Treats)
13% Off
Redbarn All Natural 5-8” Braided Bully Sticks for Small & Large Dogs - Healthy Long Lasting Chews Variety Party Pack - 100% Beef Single Ingredient Low Odor Rawhide Free Dental Treats Made in USA -8 oz
$29.99 ($3.75 / Ounce) (as of November 30, 2023 10:53 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Outward Hound Fattiez Chicken Plush Squeaky Dog Toy, XS
$2.75 (as of November 30, 2023 10:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hoki Found Silicone Pet Food Mats Tray - High-Lips Pet Dog Cat Bowl Mats - Dog Pet Cat Feeding Mat - Waterproof Dog Cat Food Mats -Pet Water Mats for Floors - Amethyst
5% Off
Sofolor Interactive Dog Toys, Motion Activated Dog Ball, Automatic Rolling Ball Toys for Puppy/Small Dogs
$20.99 ($20.99 / Count) (as of November 30, 2023 10:53 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Good Christmas Gifts for Pets
The holiday season is a time for giving and picking out the perfect gift can often be a challenge. Especially when it comes to choosing presents for our favorite furry friends who can't exactly tell us what they would like. Here are some recommendations on great Christmas gifts for pets! 1. Let your favorite dog […]
7 Christmas Card Dog
1. Muttropolis Gift Card Price: $15.00 A mutt must-have and the perfect custom dog gifts for any occasion! Give one to welcome a new puppy or kitty, to celebrate a pet adoption or pet birthday, or just to say “Thanks so Mutts!” Our paw-pleasing gift card is good for both muttropolis.com and in-store purchases. Recipients may […]
Garden allows dogs for first time
15 January 2013 Last updated at 10:40 ET By Chris Dearden BBC Wales News One of the best known gardens in Wales is allowing dogs inside for the first time. Bodnant garden in the Conwy Valley has been in the hands of the national trust since 1949. The 80-acre site has been open to the […]
Wireless Fence Leader Havahart
wireless fence leader havahart® Wireless announces a dog training rebate program Buy a Custom-shape havahart® Wireless Fence. Train your dog with a pro. Save up to $ 100! Lititz, PA (PRWEB) July 26, 2011 “A well-trained dog is a happy dog,” stated Kelly Howard, Category Development Associate for Havahart® Wireless parent company Woodstream Corp. “The […]
