A few training tips
You've just acquired a puppy. Here are a few tips to help you better understand him during the first months of his life, so you can spend many happy years by his side.
Every puppy is unique, but here are a few basic principles to help you better interpret his attitude within the family. If you experience any difficulties during the months of training, or if you have any questions about your puppy's behavior, please let us know!
Happy reading!
ATTACHMENT
Your puppy can sleep in your room, but only until puberty (at 5 months, he's no longer a baby...).
It's essential to create a reassuring bond with your puppy, so that he can be separated from his master without anxiety. To achieve this, get him used to being left alone for a few hours a day, from an early age.
CLEANLINESS
Be patient! A puppy is housebroken between 4 and 5 months.
Take him outside from an early age (but avoid letting him sniff in places frequented by other dogs), at strategic times (1/2h after meals, when he wakes up from a nap...) and reward him every time he goes outside!
Only reprimand him if you catch him in the act; avoid doing so if you arrive too late, as this could make him anxious.
OUTDOORS
To prevent your puppy from becoming fearful, take him out as soon as possible, in increasingly noisy places. Encourage contact with all types of people (children, the elderly) and dogs (properly vaccinated!).
HIERARCHY
Hierarchy is established around 6 months of age, and your dog should not be dominant. To avoid conflicts at this stage, here are a few principles to follow from an early age:
- Your dog must eat after you. Don't watch him eat. Try not to give him anything at the table.
- Have your dog sleep in a less strategic place: avoid the hallway or entrance where the dog controls comings and goings, high places (sofa) and of course the bedroom.
- Play and cuddling should be done on your own initiative.
- From the age of 6 months, do not allow any sexual expression in front of you.
SPECIFIC TRAINING
Recall: call the puppy to a play position and stroke him as soon as he arrives (even late), then let him go back to playing (don't put him back on the leash immediately, as he'll associate this with punishment).
Walking on a leash: use a leash about 1 m long (not a retractable one), talk a lot to keep the puppy's attention, pull sharply on the leash if he wanders off, and motivate him with frequent rewards.