MyLad Havanese

Your first step in training is all about positive play and interaction, but you also want to start guiding behaviour, setting some boundaries, and keeping the puppy and your family safe.  My first step is always introducing treats.  Some puppies take them right away, some don’t have an interest in treats until they are about 12 weeks old.  I find I can encourage the interest with competition.  If I put the puppies, once they have their shots, in with a couple of other dogs and start giving treats, they start to want them.  The other thing with treats, is they may not want to take at first by hand, just put them on the floor.  You may have to try different treats as well to entice them.  Your puppy will be taking treats before you get home.

The next step is think like a puppy, not a person.  Puppies and dogs can’t understand fault, guilt or blame.  They have no idea what they did that caused you to be angry.  Punishing a puppy that maybe had an accident after the fact means nothing, they won’t know why, they can not relate.  They will learn fear, and to hide accidents though.  Training is all about positive reinforcement, when they are doing well you are happy, you make them happy and eventually they will repeat that behaviour.

When they make a mistake, if it is not right at the point of time you have to let it go and ignore it.  If they make a mistake while you are there, you can use a sharp sound to make them stop and then correct the behaviour either by taking them out, or distracting them.  If you get frustrated and punish your puppy your training is going to take twice as long.

Remember this rule – bad behaviour withdrawal attention (both good and bad)  Puppies crave attention, just withdrawal it until behaviour changes.  Good behaviour, lots of love, play and attention.  Using withdrawal of attention works well for several training areas.  It takes lots of patience on your part to teach your puppy good habits.  Don’t give up, be persistent and consistent.