Stay
The goal in teaching you puppy to stay is releasing him before he moves or starts thing about moving. This doesn’t mean, watching the dog and jumping to release him before actually moves once he’s started to ‘break’. It means knowing your puppy and knowing what he can do. It means not asking him for more than he’s capable of giving. We’ll gradually work up to longer stays, but your goal for this week is to set him up for success and hold him in a very short stay until you release him.
The Release
Don’t reward your dog after the release. The release is a reward in itself. Treat rewards happen when the dog is still and in place. The Praises and playtime happen after the release word.
Why discipline is so important
Your laws are the only laws your dog has to live by. We are their gods, government and parents. Because we have the food, we control all resources and all movement we’re elected to these positions by default. If you don’t create structure for your dog, he doesn’t have any. Dogs that live with consistent structure and fair rules will be happy and relaxed. Dogs that live without structure are reactive, touchy and stressed and difficult to handle.
Meet and Greet – working towards your CGC
Say hello to as many people as you can while walking your dog. Go to places where you’re likely to meet people and strange dogs. Stop and say hello. Your dog will remain in place at your side. Sitting or standing, but not pulling lunging, jumping or acting out.
This Week
Choose Lifetime rules!
Sit, Down and Come when called.
Walking – sit at the halt, dog remains at side while walking. Walk quickly enough to match your dogs natural pace.
Handling your dog – each day examine your dogs ears, mouth and feet.
Watch your dog – body language signals intent, stay ahead of their actions.
Time out – use as necessary.
5 X 5 Practice 5 times a day for 5 minutes.
Walk, sit, down, come and stay. Greet strangers, walk in hectic places. Examine your dogs feet, teeth, ears and ‘privates’. BE CONSISTENT with all of your rules. Give your dog a structure that gives him security.
Recommended reading
Who’s the Big Dog?
Doggie Sheriff