Begin basic training at an early Age

There are many techniques to use in training your new puppy. However, we have come up with Basic Training Steps that we have tried on our own puppies and have had great results with.  One of the most important things to remember is your puppy’s brain is like a little sponge and they learn things so quickly at this young age. ​Puppies as early as 8+ weeks are at the perfect time to start basic training.  With patience, good communications and consistency, your puppy should be on its way to becoming a well behaved pet companion!

TO BEGIN 

• train inside and at the same location and preferably same time each day.
• the more training "sessions" your pup has, the faster he will learn.  Try to train at least 5 times a week.
• find a room or location where there is the least distractions. No other pets, no toys, no puppy beds, etc.  Just an empty room (area) with you and your pup.
• each session should be no longer then 15 minutes as puppies have short attention spans. As they get older, extend the sessions a little longer each time. 
• start with ONE command word each session. Once your pup masters that command, move onto another command.  
• use lots of positive reinforcement words like "GOOD", "YES" or "WOW".
• use a "happy"  tone of voice  when using your positive reinforcement words. 
• give a special healthy dog treat when your pup has done a correct command. 
• Always use the dog's name first and then the command.  For example "BELLASIT", "BELLAOFF".
• catch your pup doing something positive and let them know you are proud of him.
• begin with mastering the basic command words with a young puppy at home. Once they are older, you can enroll them in a puppy class where more advanced command words can be taught.  For example heel and training using their leashes, trick, etc. 
• Practice, Praise and Repeat!

COMMAND WORDS -  before you begin training, come up with a list of basic training command words that everyone agrees upon.   We recommend sit, down, stay, off, settle, etc.   We do not recommend using the word NO too often.  This is an overused word and another more specific word should be used.  For example, instead of saying NO for a puppy jumping up, use OFF.  Here are some of the basic ones:   

• SIT: The sit command is a very useful dog command and gives leadership over your dog.  Say the command “DOGNAME SIT” while pushing your dog’s rump down.  Keep your puppy in the sit position.  Once sit is completed, gently pet, and use positive reinforcement by saying “GOOD SIT” and release puppy from the sit position.  Repeat technique and have them sit longer the next time.  You can also use "OK" once your release them from the SIT position after completing the command successfully.
• DOWN: For the down command, guide or coax your dog into the down position by saying “BELLADOWN” .  Gently  take a hold of the front legs and extend them out in front.  After practicing this a few times, try putting puppy in a “down” position by raising your right arm with palm facing flat towards dog, say the command "BELLADOWN" and coax either extending the front legs or pressing between puppy’s shoulder blades.
• STAY:  For the stay command, start your dog in a sit position.  Raising your right hand with palm facing flat toward dog, say the command “BELLASTAY”, and then step right in front of them.  Start there standing in front of your dog.  If puppy moves any time after you say this, tell him firmly “STAY” and return him to a sitting position.  When you dog stays after half a minute, praise him vocally, only.  Petting and excitement may cause puppy to move.   Eventually begin working longer stays.  Try walking around as your puppy remains in a stay position.
• SIT STAY & DOWN STAY: After completing the first three command words successfully, work up the dog commands “BELLASIT” and then the “BELLADOWN”.   In time your dog should remain in the “SIT” position for 5 minutes or longer and they do the "DOWN" command. 

PRAISE WORDS - alway use positive words like "GOODBELLA",   "YESBELLA" and have a very happy tone to your voice. This will teach your puppy they have done something correctly.  

PUPPY CLASSES - we highly recommend you enroll your puppy in an age appropriate training class. Remember only after all vaccination records are given (usually after 4 months of age).  This is excellent for socializing your puppy with other breeds, people of all ages and ethnicity.   

SOME PUPPY GAMES
Fetch – a classic, of course. To teach your pup to play, get two toys. Throw or roll one, and when Bella grabs it, wave the second toy around so that she’ll come running back. When she gets to you, gently take the first toy, and throw the second one.
Toy-on-a-string – great for puppies who need to be encouraged to chase a toy. For some reason, even dogs who don’t like fetch love this game. 
Chase – Get down on the pup’s level, gently shove her around, then run away. Let her catch you, and praise and offer a toy or treat when she does. This teaches beginner come-when-called skills.
(Have the puppy chase YOU, don’t play chase-the-puppy. You don’t want her to learn that running away from her human is a fun game)
Puppies love to play, but they have very short attention spans. Hold several 5-15 minute play sessions throughout the day.

​In the first weeks, some puppies will be too shy or overwhelmed to play. That’s okay. Proceed at her pace, and she’ll come around eventually. It took my shy, very serious puppy Jonas several days before he’d play with me. He eventually became very enthusiastic about fetch and tug-of-war.
Always end your puppy command training sessions with play time.  Throw a ball, run in the yard, make it fun!  Toss a toy….  Do whatever you like to do when playing and relaxing with your puppy.  Reward with a treat and say 
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