Training a Puppy
Proactive training is when you try to prevent your dog from exhibiting inappropriate behavior. You accomplish this by keeping an eye on a pup when they are with you, by crating it, or keeping the puppy in a dog proofed area when you cannot keep an eye on the pup.
This method of instruction basis is positive; it does not reinforce repetitive actions that become a bad habit. Your dog does not have an opportunity to exhibit unwanted behavior (chewing on furniture), there is no need to later modify behavior, or use negative training methods. This training requires proactive participation from the owner. For this method to work it needs constant supervision and consistency. Preventive training is far less stressful on both owner and dog. This training method has advantages:
1) It reinforces you immediately as the pack leader. It is paramount the pup acknowledge you are the boss, that is the essence of training.
2) The bonding is quicker between you and your new bud.
3) This requires a responsible adult to work through training or the adult is responsible for the results.
Just bringing a new puppy home and turn it loose in your house. In a microseconds or minutes it will have carried off as much as it can double stuff in its mouth, eliminated for joy, and chewed what was left.
By choosing a proactive preventive manner you allow your puppy in the room you are in. You have a supply of proper approved chew toys available when the need arises. When you catch puppy chewing on something not allowed (usually expensive) like your drapes, you distract it by saying "NO" in a very firm tone of voice. You substitute a proper approved chew toy along with praise. You do this quickly within the millisecond of comprehension so association of the praise is with the appropriate chew toy. Dogs and especially puppies understand about three tones of voice, our body language and eye contact.
High-pitched, excitable tones: This is very effective for motivating your puppy to do an action. Some times this is referred to as "cute puppy voice". This is used for coming when called or for heeling properly. This tone is very similar to its litter mates. Children have a difficult time winning the respect of a pup as the dog thinks this other small creature sound is like a litter mate.
Matter-of-fact tones: excellent for giving commands to your puppy. Use the same tone as a bark, this is calm, direct, no urgency in the message.
Lowered tones: simulates a growl from mom. Which means whatever it is you are doing, stop it now. Do you remember what it felt like when Mom called your name? The emphasis was incredible when she included your middle name. Remember, yelling or striking your puppy will only confuse it and cause him to mistrust you.
Puppies do not understand being hit or grabbed. They only learn they cannot trust you or to be afraid of you. They understand direct eye contact, tones in your voice, the touch of a gentle but firm hand, or your body language will get the instruction lesson across.
Direct eye contact is when you are look at your dog lovingly and will exchange your glance. A long stare in the eyes is after it has jumped up and you have told it "OFF". This stare means I mean business.
Body language: Do you have a puppy who cowers when you approach it, squats and urinates just a little? Why does a pup do this? Your motion toward a dog can be a threat in itself. You are a lot bigger than the dog. Did you move to quickly? Did you bend towards the dog? You need to encourage the dog to come to you by squatting down to a level that is not so threatening. Positively reinforce coming to you with a treat or bribe. Use a piece of dog food or a favorite toy to convince him to come closer. Pet him when he gets very near you but do not reach out, make sure you praise him for showing courage. The strongest praise dogs want is a loving stroke from their owner.
People try to console their pet when it shows signs of being frightened, which is a normal human reaction. The pup is receiving the greatest reward; attention and TOUCH from its Alpha. We intend on giving comfort but inadvertently we send a different message; this is the behavior I want and am rewarding. To a puppy this reinforces and confirms fear. As an example if you or your child drop a metal lid from a cooking pan onto the kitchen floor. In a heartbeat your puppy has burrowed under the nearest piece of furniture shaking uncontrollably. Instead of extracting it out and consoling it try enticing him out with a treat, laugh, and be positive. Forcing the pup out reinforces it is okay to be afraid. Your puppy picks up on your mood. Show your bud there is nothing to fear. This is like parenting, the first child is fragile and will break at a cross look (or so first time parents portray it). The forty-ninth child is granted leeway and a more relaxed atmosphere. Somewhere from start to a later number people assimilate a comfort range where they will relax and focus on a "well rounded" individual. There are variants on this concept. There are individuals which foster a complete canine dependent on them. My dog needs me to do every thing for it and it can not possibly live without me. The other extreme is the Lion tamer personality. I am the only one that can control this biological chewing machine.
For more information about training issues, consult your veterinarian.