Your Education about Puppy Education

Ian describes the well-worn path from cute and cuddly puppy to abandoned shelter dog.  If you get a puppy, it’s your responsibility to train it!

Punishment is a necessary part of a complete training program.  However, punishment does not need to be painful or scary.  If you’re mean to your dog they’ll become anti-social and difficult to train.

Puppy problems are serious business.  If you don’t take the time to properly train your puppy with basic manners, there’s a good chance they’ll end up at a shelter.

Training a dog is as easy as 1, 2, 3: 1) Request 2) Response & 3) Reward.  The difficulty comes from figuring out how to illicit the response and then being ready to reward very promptly.

Punishment is an important part of training, but don’t overdo it.  An instructive reprimand will let your dog know that they’re getting it wrong, and  also let’s them know how they can fix it.

During recalls, the first step is the most important.  Watch your dog closely and be sure to praise them at appropriate times.

If you want your pup to enjoy training, you’ll have to motivate them.  It’s no good expecting your pup to comply simply because you’re the boss.

Dogs can’t speak English, so effective praise must be in an enthusiastic & energetic tone of voice.  If you can’t praise your dog, you’ll never be able to train them.

Raising a dog is a big responsibility, they won’t know how you want them to behave unless you train them.  Fortunately, with the right methods, training your puppy can be easy and enjoyable

Dr. Ian Dunbar explains the importance of starting your dog’s training in early puppyhood using fun, lure-reward methods.  Investing the time early on will give you control over your dog as it gets older, stronger and more distracted, and it’s the easiest way to ensure that you and your dog live long and happy lives together.