Basic commands through clicker training
Master and Commander
Your puppy will love to please you; he'll relish your
approval and will show off to get it! But he will expect you to
be in charge, so teaching him to behave will be great fun. And
once he's learned some basic commands, communicating with your
puppy will be much easier, and help you build your relationship
with him. For example, you'll be able to make sure he always
comes when he's called, walks to heel, and behaves well when
out and about.
A good way to do this is by using the "Clicker Training"
method. Clicker Training was developed in the 1940s as a way to
communicate with dolphins and whales, and the principles
translate easily to dogs. It's a kind, modern and scientific
way to make pet training easy.
How it works
The principle of Clicker Training is to associate the
'click' with the right behaviour, reward that behaviour, and
make sure your puppy understands why he was given the
reward.
By using the click to mark the correct behaviour, your puppy
will know exactly what he did to be rewarded. Clicker Training
relies on positive reinforcement - or reward - which means that
punishment isn't necessary.
Taking a really simple approach to training your puppy is
the best way to get results. With Clicker Training your puppy
associates the click with good behaviour, and will expect
rewards for his success. Start with giving treats and then, as
you progress with each command, move to using praise and a
little fussing as a reward.
Getting Started
You can get your puppy to do almost anything, from simple
commands such as 'sit' and 'stay' to fetching the remote, or
getting your slippers. All it takes is a little patience.
When you start, find a place away from distractions and have
some dry food ready as a reward.
Begin with the basics: say your puppy's name. As soon as he
looks at you, click and give him a kibble as a reward. (Puppy's
ears are very sensitive, so be careful not to hold the clicker
too close.)
He'll soon come to understand that when he hears his name
and gives you his full attention, he'll be rewarded with a
click and a treat. Use this as the basic principle to all the
commands you want him to learn; always click and treat when
he's done well. Once he has the hang of that you can start with
more commands, like 'sit', 'stay' and 'down'.
For clear instructions on how to teach each basic
command, click here.
A little at a time
Your puppy will see everything as a game, so keep him
stimulated by changing what he's learning. It's also much
easier to do it a little at a time, instead of in one mammoth
session. Issue each command for about five minutes and come
back to it whenever you can.
Practice the commands in lots of different places: in the
lounge, garden, hall or kitchen, even out on walks, so that he
gets used to responding to you in all sorts of situations. You
can use the click technique to help with other aspects of your
puppy's training, such as encouraging him to stand still for
examination and getting him used to
travelling by car.
Your puppy will learn very quickly and respond to love and
affection as well as rewards. Training will help build a
lasting bond between the two of you and you'll be rewarded with
a happy, obedient, well-trained dog.
For information on other aspects of training,
click here