No more is it customary to use aggression and force in teaching dogs obedience and tricks. Whereas choke collars and punishment were once considered the main course to take in training your dog, praise and treats soon replaced these methods. It can be said with purpose that your puppy will respond much better to kindness then aggression. Think of it in terms of yourself, what is more beneficial to improvement: constructive criticism or complaints?
A new puppy is eligible for sale by the age of 10 to 12 weeks and upon procurement of your newfound friend, training should begin. You may either take it upon yourself to give your pet the needed instruction or enter him/her into the various puppy kindergartens available. These classes will instruct the puppy in basic tricks, which include, walking calmly on a leash, sitting on command, to stay on command and obedience to specific words: such as down.
The owner can easily teach these simple responses and commands as well. In fact, some would say it is advisable. It is undeniable the bond shared between an owner and his/her pet. This bond is further strengthened and easier built upon if the owners themselves are the sole or key part of their pups training.
As stated above a puppy can be bought at anywhere from 10 to 12 weeks. It is advisable that you begin training at this early age because as the puppy grows older he/she will become more stubborn to instruction and depending on their size, you might find them quite able to resist you. By six months of age, your puppy will be pretty much set in what it is they want to do.
If you have decided upon training your new puppy yourself there are a number of important areas in which you should focus your time. The first step is to notice  how they interact with other animals. If secluded from other dogs and animals your puppy as it grows older will become territorial towards you and the surrounding area. To counter affect this, socialization needs to occur. This does not entail any special technique other than simply taking your puppy out into the world where he/she has the chance to socialize with others. This should include both animals and humans.
Other focal points should include training your puppy not too jump on you or others. While they are young and small, it may seem insignificant but as they grow, depending on their size it has the potential of becoming a hindrance. The basic commands to sit and stay are integral to making things easy on the both of you. It will keep them from getting in to trouble or even danger. Once these are mastered, you should feel free to teach them others beyond that. Have them lay down, roll over, dance, this will give you both something fun to do. Reward them with a treat when they effectively listen to you in regards to any of these and they will enjoy doing it. As far as treats go for the basic commands, sit etc, it would be best to reward them with smiles, hugs, kisses, and a good boy or girl! Treats should be given for the extra tricks so that your puppy sees this as playtime and entertainment. There may be an instance where you need your puppy or dog to listen to your command when you do not have access to a treat. If the puppy were used to receiving a treat for his good deeds it would be unfair to him not to receive them for accomplishing something. He/she will enjoy your affection and pride in them just as much as the delicious food you supply.
With the little extra attention provided to your pup for training and disobedience, you will find that as the little fur ball grows into a bigger one you both will have a wonderful time throughout it all and a rewarding relationship, not to mention more good times than bad.
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