Basic Dog Training - Dog Training

by Michael Colucci
July 05, 2006

Dogs are natural carnivores, and have a tendency to chase things which move away from them. This includes people, cars, and other animals. While this may be normal, it can be dangerous, especially when they are chasing people or cars. Training your dog not to chase things is very important, and you want to start this training as soon as possible.If your puppy is a breed which will get big, you will want to get started while they're puppies.

Many people who are chased by a large dog will become afraid, and will do whatever it takes to protect themselves. If your dog should attack someone, you could be sued or prosecuted. This is a situation you don't want to find yourself in.

This is why it is important to train your dog while it is still a puppy. Some dogs can be trained easily, while others are more challenging. Breeds which have traditionally been used for hunting are the most difficult to deal with.

Until your dog is trained, you should never allow him off the leash. Doing this can put the dog and others in danger. Before taking your dog to a place where he will be likely to chase someone, begin by training him in a secure place like a yard which is surrounded by a fence.

The dog should be focused on you, and anything which will distract him should be removed. You will need to repeat the steps so that the dog understands what you want. You will want to start by putting the dog on a leash.

You will now want to stand with the dog at the end of a hallway or room. Take a ball and hold it in front of the dog without allowing him to make contact with it. After this, take the ball and roll it towards the opposite end of the room or hallway.

Use the word "off" to tell the dog not to chase the ball. If the dog gets up and tries to chase the ball, gently pull him back with the leash and say "off" again. Repeat this step until the dog doesn't chase the ball when you roll it. When he does this correctly, reward him with a treat.

Repeat this technique in different rooms of the house. As your dog continues to improve, take him off the leash, but keep him indoors. Once he has shown that he can do this indoors, take him outside and start the whole process over again.

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Michael Colucci is a writer for Dog Training which is part of the Knowledge Search network

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Filed under Basic Dog Training, Dog Training by Christy's Dog Portal.

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When Should You Start Training a Puppy?

It is never too soon to start training a puppy. However give your puppy as much freedom as possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age.

That does not include running amok in public places. Always keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places where there is danger from road traffic and so on. In many countries it is against the law to allow a dog to run free, so be careful if that applies to your country.

This picture is of Rocky, my sister's dog. He was trained from a puppy to not run away when off the leash. In the country he lived the first few years of his life dogs were allowed to run loose so my sister would take him to the park to exercise and play with his friends.

Rocky was also trained to go everywhere with her. He would sit patiently outside the grocery store. That country allowed dogs to go inside many buildings, too, and he was taught to be quiet and calm wherever she took him.

Be careful in parks if there are older dogs loose as they may attack a crazy pup they think is infringing in their territory. A boisterous young pup of a larger breed can also harm very young children or frail elderly people by jumping on them excitedly. Always keep your pup in sight when he's off a lead.

Plenty of exercise and fresh air is essential for a fast growing young puppy. He needs the exercise to strengthen his bones and fresh air for the development of strong lungs.

Being in public places also allows him to interact with people and get used to the noises of traffic and life in general. He should be exercised daily if possible, with a side benefit being that he will sleep well and not get bored, which is the main cause of bad habits and destructive behavior seen in so many young dogs today.

Another thing it prevents is shyness, which is primarily caused by isolation as a pup, although shyness is also a trait that can be inherited.

Starting Basic Puppy Training

You can start training a puppy from about 4 to 6 months of age. It is possible to train older dogs, but it's a lot harder. Donâ€™t overdo these exercises, 10 minutes a day is adequate. You'll find that your puppy tires fairly quickly, and a tired pup won't learn anything.

Be regular in your training sessions, taking him out at about the same time each day. Dress in the same shoes or jacket each training session, and the pup will soon associate those shoes or that jacket with training.

Teaching a Puppy to Heel

Walk at a steady pace with your puppy on a firm fitting collar and lead. Have him on your left side, occasionally saying the command HEEL. Each time you say HEEL, slap your thigh or the side of your leg.

If your pup pulls away or gets distracted, just keep walking, he'll soon get the message and follow along. If you don't stop, he'll have to follow.

As he follows you after a distraction, pat him saying GOOD DOG or GOOD BOY or GIRL. If he tries to run or pull against the lead, say a very firm HEEL! When he obeys, give him a pat and praise him and he'll soon get the message.

Teaching a Puppy to Sit

Once your puppy is heeling properly, it's time to teach him to sit. With him walking at your left side, stop, transfer the lead to your right hand and while pulling up on the collar, press down on his back end with your left hand. He will have no choice but to sit.

While lifting with the collar takes weight off his front legs the motion causes the pup to want to sit, especially with your hand pressing him down. Firmly say the command SIT as you press down. Repeat this several times, praising him each time he sits. Now walk further along and repeat this exercise several more times in a 10 minute walk.

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