Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Puppy K!

[BG and Gavin]

A recent post in the training group got me thinking about foundations for good learning for dogs.  I pretty much owe all of Gavin’s politeness and good house manners to the trainer (who was a volunteer from the local Humane Society) that ran the puppy Kindergarten class.  Here are some of the important things she taught us:

 

1. The “off” and “take it” commands.  She held a treat in front of the dog’s nose and when the dog went to take it she said “offff” and when the dog turned away from the food she re-offered it as a reward saying “take it.”  We then practiced during feeding time not allowing Gavin to touch his food until we said “take it.”  Handy commands when you don’t want him to touch something on the ground or counter surf or kiddy surf.
2. Make one room in your house and at least one piece of furniture off limits to your dog “just because.”  This is a good limit setting exercise for you and your dog and sets the table for boundary training later.
3. The “this is mine” exercise.  This is basically handling your dog’s ears, paws, tail, mouth, gently touching and pulling on everything while telling you dog “this is mine and this is mine and this is mine etc.”  It helps you to “own the dog” and confidently handle him making it easier for groomers and vets and children to poke and prod without drama in the future.
4. Puppy push-ups.  This is a mental and physical exercise for your dog basically having him sit, go into a down and get up repeatedly.  An easy way to tire out an energetic puppy on a rainy day or during an energy burst when you are in the middle of your favorite TV program ;)
5. Allow your dog to socialize with other dogs, but you are in charge of setting limits.  If you are uncomfortable with how another dog is relating to your dog, step in and take charge.  It is NOT always best to “just let them work it out” especially with a new puppy as a traumatic experience may have a long standing negative effect.

 

Congrats to all of the new owners out there.  I hope these tips help you on your road to raising a great new family member!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

If (when) I get another puppy this will be very useful.  Thanks for sharing.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Good advice, BG!! Thanks for sharing! I think you should also make sure you post this in the Puppy Group.

[BG and Gavin]

I am not in the puppy group anymore, but would be ok if you wanted to link it there :)

[Kathy Janes]

Thanks for sharing!  My son and daughter pick their Goldendoodle puppy up next weekend, so I posted it on FB for them to see, along with all my other doggy friends!  I loved puppy  Kindergarten but have to say we didn't do most of these things, and had we read these tips we might have done them on our own.  I think "off" and "leave it" are really valuable.  "wait" is what we taught Ozzie before he can have his food, and he's do cute about it!  He waits really well for anything when we remember to tell him to!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Great tips that should be very helpful for new owners, and some not-so-new owners, too! Thanks, BG!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

These are all great tips!  I think they create a foundation for the puppy to learn right from the beginning that the human sets the rules....and all "good things" come from following those rules.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Our guys have never been allowed on the furniture.  They never even tried after the first few days.  Each time they'd jump up I would just take their collar and pull them off giving them a firm "no".  That was actually one of the easier ones with Murph.  I let them on my bed but only once in a while.  They would never get up there without me "inviting them".  I'm betting if you are firm and consistent you could teach this in a couple of days.

[Jen Fischer]

Excellent and so timely! Thank you.

Axel's Mom

[Karen and Ruston]

Thanks for sharing.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Great tips BG!! Thanks!