Obedience training

Begin leash training when your puppy is about 7-8 weeks old. Let the puppy wear it's collar and leash around the house to get him used to it. By the age of 3 months, you should begin taking your puppy on short walks. Obedience training usually begins when the puppy is about 6 months old.

Let your puppy play first, otherwise you won't hold his attention. Keep training sessions short...usually about 5-15 minutes, several times a day. Your puppy does not know what to do...He learns by repetition.

Never lose your temper or strike your puppy. This may cause him to fear you. Be firm and consistant.End each training session on a positive note. If your puppy has not learned a certian command, let him do one he has learned. The key to training is repetition and praise.

Do not use treats too much. Too many will cause your puppy to become overweight. Your puppy should do as you ask to please you....not get a treat.

Come: Try this as early as 7 weeks. Tell your puppy to "Come" when you feed him. He gets an instant reward. Have him follow you around telling him to come in a happy tone. You may also use a leash...stand in front of him and tell him to come. When he does, kneel down on one knee to greet him. Give him lots of praise when he comes.

Sit: Hold a treat just above his forehead. Move the treat toward his back and gently push his behind down telling him to "Sit". Give lots of praise and reward him with the treat.

Stay: With your puppy sitting beside you, hold the leash above him with enough tension to restrain him. Put you hand, palm up and fingers together in front of his face and say "Stay". Step in front of him so he can't move. Repeat the process, taking another step each time.

Heel: With your puppy on your left, step forward. If he doesn't move, pop the leash and say his name. If he runs ahead, let him get to the end of the leash...say his name and "Heel". As he runs toward you, praise him when he walks along side you. If he runs ahead again, let him get the full legnth of the leash and call him back. Turn to walk the other way. Everytime you stop, have him sit.

Ask your vet about obedience classes in your area. It is important that your dog know obedience commands so you can better control him.