Training a Puppy... help!

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Well - as some of you know - The Universe and I have a new addition to the family... an adorable runty Boston Terrier that has yet to be housebroken...

Any tips you could offer for training a puppy (house breaking, sitting, staying, fetching...) would be appreciated! (I've never done this before! I feel like a traitor b/c I'm a cat person! )

 

[diaglo]

routine.

puppies need a routine.

same time everyday to feed. to go potty. to go to bed.

over and over again.

 

[Xath]

Here's a website on puppy training.

http://www.perfectpaws.com/pupstuff.html

 

[Mystery Man]

routine.

puppies need a routine.

same time everyday to feed. to go potty. to go to bed.

over and over again.

sorta like me.

 

[CarlZog]

Socialization. Get 'em out to meet people and other dogs, and have as many kinds of experiences as possible in the first six months. Those first months are critical to having a well-adjusted dog for the rest of its life.

That's the advice we were given, and I'm SO glad we adhered to it. I see dogs that are terrified of car rides, being alone, being with other dogs, other people, etc. Our dog is still a wound-up maniac at two years, but she's not scared, insecure, aggressive, or co-dependent. She gets along with everybody and everything and I'm convinced it's because of the experiences we gave her at an early age.

Carl

 

[Torm]

You have to wear Jedi or Sith robes. You know Lord Vader has never taken training from anyone not doing so....

 

[Henry]

*kissing noises and singsong voice*

C'mon, boy! Come to the Dark Side! Coooome to the Dark Side! Chuh'mon! Look at the lightsaber! Come get it!

Good Boy!

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

Take a puppy obedience class. Obedience classes, for puppies or adult dogs, are the best thing you can EVER do for your dog. Classes give them socialization with other dogs and people, teaches them basic things, and teach YOU how to teach them. Dogs like to learn, and obedience classes will help you learn how to get the most productive and positive responses from your dog. Check with you local SPCA to see where/when classes are in your area. You'll be glad that you did.

 

[CarlZog]

Take a puppy obedience class. Obedience classes, for puppies or adult dogs, are the best thing you can EVER do for your dog. Classes give them socialization with other dogs and people, teaches them basic things, and teach YOU how to teach them. Dogs like to learn, and obedience classes will help you learn how to get the most productive and positive responses from your dog. Check with you local SPCA to see where/when classes are in your area. You'll be glad that you did.

Definitely true. Classes have been a great tool for us.

 

[KidCthulhu]

Queenie,

I train dogs semi-professionally, and I second everything said thus far. I'd also strongly advise you look into clicker training, which to my mind is the only way to train. It's a positive reinforcement method that teaches the dog what you want from him and how to make doing things "your way" the most fun and rewarding thing in their day.

Remember that in the absence of clear, consistent instruction from you about what you do want, puppies will fall back on instinct. Most instinctive behaviors that dogs find rewarding are exactly the things we don't want; barking, chewing, digging, running, and invading Poland. (just checking!)

www.dogpatch.org has the best set of training articles on all subjects. I generally agree with the advice given and they focus on positive, reward based training rather than on collar corrections or other punishment based methods. You can find out about clickers there, or go to www.clickertraining.com.

I had a Boston Terrier as a student in my agility class once. His name was Chowdah, spelled just that way!

Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.