Preschool Puppy Training : Fetching

Preschool Puppy Training : Fetching

The first basic command that your puppy should learn is the commandto sit. By allowing this to be the first command, it therefore becomesthe first basic word which we will write on the puppy's "chalkboardmind". In other words, at this age your puppy’s mindis like a sheet of paper – and not too much has been writtenon it yet.

The things that get written on it at this age should be productive.In the future, we will write the negative word "no"on the puppy's mind. The word "no" is the only bad commandyou should ever utter. Words which you will use when it becomesrequired to scold your puppy are not considered "commands"but are just words, the tone of which leave no doubt in the puppy'smind that you are disciplining him. The bad command "no"will come to mean something to your puppy, no matter what voicetone you choose to use.

Get Rid of the Distractions

Experts have recommended that the area you use for your puppy'spreschool training in fetch and sit be has no distractions, if allpossible. Although we will approach this preschool training seriously,your puppy should think of it as game time. The "game"should not be longer than 10 minutes. And if it does, your puppywill become quite bored with the whole process.

If you continue after he becomes bored, then future games withyou will be considered a "real drag" and, of course,non-productive. By not having distractions, this will actually helpkeep the puppy's mind on the game.

Let's Start

To start, simply choose a toy that your puppy has shown a particularliking for, and then seat yourself on the ground. This will placeyou much closer to the puppy's level and, among other things, willhelp to communicate the "game" atmosphere.

Make certain that the puppy's leash is attached and that you arefirmly holding the other end. Throw the toy up and down for a fewseconds, just enough to attract your dog's attention. Then, throwit out a few feet away from you encouraging the puppy to run afterit. You can encourage your pet with things like "Come on boy...that’sright... pick it up! C'mon boy - You can do it! Good dog!"

There's plenty verbiage there to make certain not a single wordsticks on that sheet of paper; but your voice tone, together withyour eagerness are the main considerations here. If your dog goesto the object and shows any interest in it at all, that's groundsfor immediate praise and further encouragement. If your dog picksup the toy and brings it back to you, really put on the praise andthrow it out again.

Lastly, try to get four of these retrievals into your first 10minute play session. Next, remove the leash and end the game witha treat – a dog bone or other food reinforcement. Why thetreat? Why not just give the dog praise? Remember, your pup is now9 weeks old, and praise just hasn't had time to become that largeof a thing. It's certainly nice at this point in life, but the snackreward is much nicer.

Article by Amy Christianson of OhMy Dog Supplies, check for current specials on designerdog beds online.