Any dog, whether a puppy or an adult dog, can be trained to be a good citizen and member of a household. Here are the basics every dog owner needs to know.
Use Training Based on Positive Reinforcement
Methods that are positive go a much longer way to getting lasting results. This approach develops a close bond and level of trust and cooperation between human and canine that training based on punishment or correction does not.
Be Proactive Rather Than Reactive
Don’t wait until the puppy jumps on or nips someone. During the training period, anticipate the behavior and manage the environment so that your pup doesn’t have the opportunity to practice the undesirable behavior.
Be a Strong (Benevolent) Leader
It is not necessary to show a dog who is “boss” by physically challenging or otherwise punishing her. For example, rolling a dog on her back and holding her down (the submissive roll) usually results in a fearful dog or a bite as the dog fights back.
A leader is clear in setting the rules and consistent in following them. Use the fact that the human is the gate keeper to all good things (walks, meals, treats, toys, petting, attention) to advantage.
Be a concerned parent rather than a permissive grandparent.
Clearly Show Which Behaviors Work and do not Work in Getting What the Dog Needs or Desires
Dogs learn very quickly what they must do to get whatever they need or want. They do not hold onto behaviors that don’t work. For example, a dog that learns that jumping on someone does not get attention, but sitting calmly and “requesting” always gets attention quickly learns appropriate behavior. One merely withholds whatever the puppy desires when she exhibits undesirable actions. Only desired behaviors reap the rewards. No need to chastise or “correct”.
Be Consistent
Just as for children, stick to the rules. If the pet is not allowed on the couch and the owner has followed through and removed her from the couch the last 19 times when she has gotten up on it and this is the 20th time and the owner is exhausted from a hard day at work and decides s/he is too tired to follow through just this one time, then the efforts are set back exponentially! This just keeps Rover in the game. “One time in 20 they let me stay on the couch. Maybe this is that one time.” Dogs don’t do well with the gray area; it is either “yes, it is allowed”, “no, it is not”, or “yes, it is allowed, but by invitation only”.
Be Sure to Understand the Role of Treats in Training
When using treats, be sure not to inadvertently reinforce unwanted behaviors. And remember: rewards come in other forms besides treats: praise, play, massage/petting can be effective motivators as well for many dogs.
Don’t Ignore Unwanted Behaviors Thinking They will Go Away as the Puppy Matures
The little puppy that jumps on people and/or nips to get attention soon becomes the big dog that is pushing people over and nipping them. Puppies don't necessarily outgrow these behaviors.
Demand Zero Tolerance When It Comes to Mouthing and Nipping
Don’t make excuses when a dog nips or mouths. “My dog nipped my son because he tried to take her bone away” or “my dog didn’t mean to nip me when she grabbed the treat from my fingers” may be correct assessments, but her behavior still warrants modification. She needs to learn that biting/nipping someone that is taking her bone away is unacceptable or that she must be gentle when taking something (only when invited) from your hand (i.e. she doesn’t get the object she desires when she acts this way).
Socialize Your Dog Early on and as Often as Possible
Dogs need to socialize year round with other dogs of all types, sizes, and ages and with humans of all types and ages. Do not isolate your puppy for any reason (not inoculated, inclement weather). Socialize her with other well-cared for dogs. The harm for not socializing can be exponential.
Don’t Turn Your Dog into a Couch Potato
Give her responsibility and an active place in the household. That responsibility might be as simple as sitting when guests enter the house or bringing in the newspaper. Use play that is mentally stimulating. Rather than the "catch-the-ball-bring-it-back" routine, add "put it into the basket". Have the dog pick up her toys and put them in her toy box. Set up a homemade agility course in the backyard. Buy toys that demand a dog to think or to work in order to get the treat inside.
Exercise Your Dog
A tired dog is a happy dog (and human!!). Enrolling her in a dog daycare center, hiring a dog walker, and having regular play dates with other dogs are helpful ways to get her the exercise she needs if two to three daily walks prove not to be enough. Exercise needs vary from dog to dog. Know your dog’s needs.
Enroll Her in an Obedience/Companion/Manners Class that Uses Positive Reinforcement
Most behaviorists today feel pups should start in a class at about 10 weeks of age. Classes give the owner an integrated plan for effectively interacting with and training their dogs. When it comes to training, it is never too soon or too late.
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