Training from Puppyhood

We all love that feeling of having puppies into our home. They are cute and cuddly and almost every day makes us smile. And yet when night time comes, this is no longer the situation. They become too noisy and their barking keeps us up all night. So, according to the Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc., they share this clip for everyone.

“Teaching your puppy appropriate behaviour from the beginning is easier than changing behaviour that has become a bad habit. Some behaviour we may think of as cute in a puppy will not be cute in an adult dog. So, think ahead to avoid potential problems…

The first few nights after bringing your puppy home will be the hardest. You may want to put his crate in your bedroom. The puppy will be more secure with you near. Security builds trust. Trust will decrease the possibility of separation anxiety in the future. Just remember not to give any attention to the puppy if he is whining – that will only reward his undesirable behaviour.

By starting to train your puppy in obedience and relaxation at an early age, you can greatly reduce the probability your puppy will grow into a problem barker. Nip problems in the bud and always look at why the puppy is barking. Is it fear, anxiety, attention-seeking? Use the appropriate measures to treat the underlying problem.

Remember that if for some reason you want your dog to bark on command, or in a certain situation, you must also be able to teach him to stop on command. Teach "Enough" at an early age.

So begin your training with a simple command like ‘speak’ or ‘bark’ and pat him and give him a cookie when he woofs a bit. Now tell him ‘enough’ or ‘that’s it’ as soon as his woofing increases and immediately plop a cookie into his mouth, he won’t have a choice but to stop, food has often made the best of men seal their lips so what’s a dog! Now that that routine is final repeat it a couple of times. Next time he barks to let you know the mailman’s at your door praise him heartily and then sternly ask him to shut up with a ‘enough’ or ‘that’s it’ (remember to use the same command to avoid confusing him)  and give him a cookie.

Once this regime settles in your dog will soon pick up what “enough” or “that’s it” means. In case he doesn’t and continues to bark despite your command give a sharp tug on his collar and say “Enough” in a rebuking, no-nonsense voice. He will soon learn that that’s his cue to stop.

Now this training will take a good number of weeks to really start working. However make sure you don’t give up mid way.

Introduce the young puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. Get your puppy used to walking on the sidewalk along a busy street. Expose your puppy to sounds like vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and other noises. Take things slow so your puppy does not become anxious while being exposed to these new things. Reward the puppy when he is quiet and relaxed.

Puppy classes are a great place for your puppy to meet new people and other dogs. He can learn to obey you even when there are numerous distractions. You also have a trainer present who can help you with any potential problems.

In short, it will be a lot more fun for everybody if your puppy learns to communicate through a wag of the tail and looking to you for guidance rather than through excessive and relentless barking.”