Do you hate when you go to a friends or family’s house and they have a dog that is roaming around the dinner table? Do you wish that they would take the dog to another area so you can eat in peace and not have the family dog begging you for food? Okay so it may not bother you if your dog does that to you, but it could bother your guest. So the best way to avoid this is to teach your puppy how to “Settle Down” This could be when you send your puppy to his special area in the room. This is his own space where he feels safe and secure. This area should have a bed and toys for him. Ideally you want to be able to send him to his area on command. So your question in your mind now is how right?
1) With your puppy on a leash say “Settle Down” and point to the area with your free hand.
2) Walk your puppy over to the area (If he is unsure stay with him over there for a few moments, once he starts to play with toys or curls up on his bed you can leave).
3) Repeat this step several times. Depending on the age of your puppy it may take a while for him to get it. Usually older than 12 weeks of age works best for this step.
Is your puppy going to be around little kids? If so you need to teach him how to handle their touching and pulling. The best way is for you to act like a child and gently pull on his coat, make loud sharp sudden noises and sudden movements. At the same time make sure you handle your puppy frequently, touch his paws, ears, belly and tail as if you were grooming him. Keep in mind that little kids are curious and want to explore this fur ball, so make sure he can handle it. Praise your puppy and give him treats during this time.
Does your puppy have play dates? Do you take toys with you? If so, you should definitely teach your dog how to “Give/ Share”. Keep in mind that puppies are like little children when playing with toys. At first they don’t get the concept of sharing so it is our job to teach them so they will have good manners around other people and dogs. (You wouldn’t want your puppy to be on a play date and then labeled a toy hog.
So with treats ready here are the steps:
1) Kneel on the floor and praise your puppy for a couple of minutes before you bring out the toys.
2) First start with you tossing a toy in the air and catching it, this will spark his interest. Once you have that give the toy a short toss.
3) When he takes the toy let him keep it for a while so that he does not feel there is a challenge for it.
4) Now take the treats and offer him one, before he abandons the toy say “Give”, as he give you the toy praise him and give him a treat.
5) Then give the toy back right away. This will teach him that you want to play and not steal the toy.
6) Repeat steps 2 & 3 until he looks to you each time he picks up the toy.
7) Encourage him to come towards you with the toy as you start to run away at the same time say “Bring”
Now you just got a two for one training, how to Give and Bring. Way to go.
