Basic Training For Dog - Part Two

The rules of cleanliness are basic and respect for the home should be instilled from the puppy's earliest arrival, but the training is merely equivalent to a kindergarten course. There is more education ahead to fit the dog for his purpose in life,which in most cases will be simply that of pet and companion. 

If you expect more of the dog-for hunting, for show and field trial competition, for herding-much more specialised training is required. However, whatever his destined future, certain

simple obedience procedures have been worked out that are common to all.

None of this should be undertaken for the extremely young puppy. Some authorities think six months of age to be a good time to begin the more formal education. Some think a year or slightly older to be time enough. The dog of three or four months is too young for the routine. Instead of helping, the routine may lead to a nervous, maladjusted dog.

The fact that he's still too young to accept certain kinds of routine does not mean that the pup should be completely unrestrained, however. Just as a mother will talk to the infant and the baby's awakening intellect will gradually grasp more and more of her meaning, the puppy should be made aware of the meaning of simple words. His name should be used every time he is addressed. He will get to associate himself with the name, and that can be started very early. The word "No!" can be impressed upon him as a form of restraint. "No, no, no!" uttered firmly will let him know he has done something wrong.

A puppy will acquire the habit of disobedience very easily. That habit of non-compliance may never be corrected fully if it is not corrected at once. When you order "Come" insist that the dog come to you. Don't get angry and shout, but be persistent. He may recognise the meaning of "Come" readily enough at feeding time. He may find more interesting things to do at other times. Don't let him wander off . 

Insist. Bad habits also may be excessive barking, friendliness to the point where he jumps all over you, resting on furniture and howling when alone.

Almost every dog owner will find that the puppy howls the first night he is alone. You'll have to endure a certain amount of it, but there are some corrective steps short of beating, which never should be a remedy. Howling is a natural reaction, equivalent to a baby's crying, but usually for a different reason. The dog is not hungry or sick. He is lonesome.

Since you can't be with him all the time, particularly at night when the howling is most disturbing, be sure first that the dog has a comfortable bed so discomfort can't be a reason. Leave a light in the room and a clock ticking. Some of your used clothing may reassure him further that he has not been deserted. Accustom him to being alone for a set period daily. Half an hour to an hour of solitude in a pen or a separate room is not a cruelty. He'll get to like it under the same principle a human being likes some privacy.

You can read: Basic Training For Dog - Part One

Every dog except the breed of hound called the Basenji will bark now and then, but too much barking can become a nuisance to owners and neighbours and should be curbed. Use of the command, “No, no!" early and often should help. If you think a light slap with the rolled-up newspaper will be a deterrent, give it.

The over friendly dog can be as much a pest as the excessive barker. He'll jump eagerly up on every visitor, wagging his tail and showing all sorts of affection. The jumping won't be appreciated, particularly if the feet are muddy from romping in the yard. If a simple scolding fails, try raising your knee just as the dog jumps so he will be struck on the chest and thrown off balance. The practice doesn't mean a kick of course, just a simple jolt. Another way is to hold his front paws when he  umps and step lightly and carefully on a back foot. He'll learn jumping means discomfort and quit.

The careful housewife never will allow the puppy to acquire the habit of resting on chairs, sofas and beds. The extra comfort will be delightful for the dog, but unless you're interested in dog-hair pants, should not be encouraged. He should be shooed off and scolded the first time he tries it and every time thereafter. He should never be encouraged by lifting him on the furniture for petting. One remedy is to set a mousetrap that will go off with a loud snap if the dog jumps on the furniture in your

absence. It will remind him he's doing what he shouldn't, but be careful that the business end of the trap is well guarded with a wire cage or otherwise you may have an injured dog.  Basic training for dog  

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