Dog Training

Lesson 4: Final Steps to Training

Good Manners for All Dogs, Common Problems

Good Manners for All Dogs

The 5 Golden Rules for dogs over 6 Months Old

Not to chew anything forbidden

Not to soil the house

To come when called

Know the meaning of "no"

To walk mannerly on a leash

Common Problems

When you find a pup chewing something he shouldn't, tell him "no" sternly, take the object away and try to redirect the behavior by encouraging him to chew on something appropriate. Remember that puppies need to chew as their teeth grow. Don't give him more than 2 or 3 toys at a time. You can rotate the toys if you like.

Dogs will bark. But they should stop when you tell them too. Usually a sharp "no" will do it. If that has no effect, you may need to make a loud noise to get their attention. A shake can, pennies or pebbles in a metal can works very well. Tape up the top and use as a shaker or even toss it at the dog's feet to get their attention. Some dogs hate this and will obey instantly as soon as they see the shake can. (A few dogs, however, have tried to retrieve it.)

All puppies jump up to greet their favorite people. This greeting can be redirected by encouraging the pup to fetch a favorite toy and then asking the dog to sit before he gets a greeting and praise. This way, you can minimize any punishment and redirect the behavior into something you can praise the dog for.

Nipping and mouthing is also a normal dog behavior. They are just playing with us as though we were another puppy. Our skin, however, is much more delicate than a dog's. If the pup is young, you can yelp when he bites too hard and act wounded. Stop playing with him, even to freezing if he is persistent.

If he is older, teach him what "no mouth" means. Scold him for mouthing and, if he is really bad, forcing your hand into his mouth will sometimes discourage this behavior.

It is extremely important that the dog does not get the idea that he can use his mouth aggressively toward humans. Discourage the mouthing and cease all rough-housing, especially any tug-of-war games. Encourage games that require thinking and cooperation such as hide-and-seek, fetching a ball or even agility training. Be creative, and let the dog be creative too.

Most of all, have fun together.

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