So, there I was, diving headfirst into the jungle of dog training tips. Overwhelming doesn't even begin to cover it! Navigating through the chaos was like trying to find a squeaky toy in a room full of tennis balls - tricky, to say the least. And if you're a stress head (like yours truly), buckle up; it's a rollercoaster.
In my previous post, I emphasised the challenges of puppy ownership and the unexpected intensity of training. Fast forward to today, and I'm here to share my top five life saving tips that turned my adorable puppy Archer, into a well-behaved three year old dog that he is today (Happy Birthday Archer!).
So, grab your coffee (or wine, I don't judge), and let's talk about five training tips that not only saved my sanity but also gave Archer an A+ in good behaviour.
Leash House Training: One standout and my most cherished training tip was Leash House Training. This involved Archer wearing a leash inside the house at all times. The magic of Leash House Training goes beyond just controlling biting, but it involves guiding them away from peeing on the carpet or treating your socks like a chew toy. Here's what this amazing tip helped do:
Biting Redirection: Leash House Training became my favourite as it finally offered a practical solution to address biting behaviour. When those teeth met my toes, a firm 'no' and a gentle leash tug became the ultimate puppy redirect. The reinforcement also followed with some high-value treats (which we conveniently kept in every pant pocket). So, if you're in the ankle-nipping trenches, grab that leash and turn your pup into a manners master. It's a win-win – you save your toes, and they get a tasty reward.
Behavioural Redirection: The leash became a versatile tool for redirecting various undesirable behaviours within the house, including peeing, playing with socks as chew toys, and any jumping on the couch. Consistency was key! Week after week, the leash played a pivotal role, guiding Archer away from mischief and towards more positive choices. It wasn't just about reigning in his puppy antics; it was about boosting my confidence in managing his behaviour.
Creating a Calm Indoor Environment: An invaluable insight gained from this training technique was the realisation that Leash House Training extends beyond behavioural correction. With each gentle tug of the leash, we communicated to Archer that our home wasn't a circus but a place for relaxation and quality cuddle time. It was about fostering a sense of calmness and order within our household
2. Hand Feeding in Training Exercises: This training advice seemed a little strange at first, but what a remarkable tip we discovered! So get ready to ditch the puppy dinner bowl for a while and get ready to incorporate hand feeding with regular kibble as part of their training sessions. Nate Schomer spilled the kibble on this game-changing technique in an insightful YouTube video! Forget food fights—this method nips food aggression in the bud, builds trust, boosts your pup's confidence and keeps their brains buzzing with excitement. It's not just training; but the best bonding experience between owner and pup.
3. Positive Reinforcement Training: Positive Reinforcement Training stands out as a highly effective tip for nurturing a well-behaved pup. Forget the old-school tricks; this method involves bribing-I mean, motivating your dog with the good stuff-treats, kibble, praise, or play to reinforce those A+ behaviours. But here's something I discovered: not all positive stimuli are created equal! Take Archer, for example; he had a kibble obsession that rivals a toddler in a lolly store. This technique not only fostered a strong bond between us and Archer but also made his training sessions enjoyable.
4.Marker Training Techniques: Imagine training your pup with the precision of a ninja—marker training does just that! Marker training is a powerful technique that relies on a consistent sound or signal to pinpoint the exact moment your pup nails that perfect behaviour. In our case, we used the words 'YES' and 'FREE' as markers:
YES': Reinforcing Correct Actions- When using the 'YES' marker, we communicated to Archer that he had executed a behaviour correctly and received a reward. It was like a high-five in dog language! We let him know he aced it, and immediately gave him a treat.
'FREE': Release and Reward- The 'FREE' marker is the golden ticket to freedom for your pup. When Archer got the green light with 'FREE,' It communicated the end of the stay, giving him the 'freedom' to move and receive his well-earned reward.
5. Daily Play Sessions for Bonding and Energy Release: Make playtime a daily ritual, and watch the change happen! Regularly incorporating interactive play sessions not only reinforces training commands but also builds a strong bond between owner and pup. This approach effectively redirected Archer's biting behaviour and allowed the release of natural prey instincts, ensuring a well-rounded and happy puppy.
And as I blabber on about my top 5 tips for surviving the puppy chaos, let me tell you, it's a miracle I can write about it without breaking into a sweat. The struggle was real, my friends!
But fear not, because amidst the chaos, there's a silver lining. My secret ? confidence, resilience, and a support system that included everyone from my husband, breeders to online dog gurus. Even joining the local German Shepherd Club was incredibly helpful.
So, if you find yourself knee-deep in puppy shenanigans, remember: YouTube videos (my personal preference were videos by Nate Schomer) are your friend, trainers are your lifeline, and joining a club might just save your sanity. And here's a pro tip: laughter is the best medicine, especially when your furry friend thinks your ankles are chew toys.
That pot plant was a mistake that I won't be making twice! Here's a pet owner tip: reconsider indoor plants with playful puppies around.
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