Kirbyholme Border Collies | Breeding and Dog Training 2007.

TRAINING

Taking Control
Dogs are a highly social "pack" species. Each pack has a leader that the other members follow and look to for "direction". When puppies enter our homes the human family becomes their new pack. Puppies adapt well to this artificial pack as long as the members of the family take on the role of leader. A pushy puppy receiving insufficient guidance and discipline and allowed to get his own way, could eventually emerge as "pack leader" in the home.

When is the best time to begin training my puppy?
Formal dog training has traditionally been delayed until 6 months of age. Actually, this juvenile stage is a poor time to begin training. The dog is beginning to solidify adult behavioral patterns, dominance behavior is emerging, and behaviors that they have learned in puppy-hood may need to be changed. Therefore, it is best to begin teaching puppies from the time they are obtained, usually at 8 weeks of age. Puppies from our home begin their training at five weeks of age! By the time the go to their new homes they are competent at, “sit”, “down”, “come” have been used to a crate and have been well socialized and conditioned to novel stimuli. New owners are given training notes to help the puppy continue with their training without any confusion and miss interpretations. One important task to begin early is to establish yourself as the leader.

Are physical exercises necessary for gaining control?
Although there are many physical techniques that have been advocated for gaining control, it is the owners’ attitudes, actions, and responses to the new puppy (along with the puppy’s genetics) that are most important in the puppy becoming either well-mannered and responsive, or stubborn and disobedient.

Dog training literature has often discussed using scruff shakes and rollover techniques to discipline puppies. While these may change behavior, they are harsh that could lead to fear, anxiety and retaliation. Thankfully training techniques have changed for the better. It has been proved that it is much easier to teach what you want, rather than discipline what you don't want. This makes a positive, learning environment for the puppy to grow up in. There are advantages to teaching your puppy to assume subordinate postures and this can be accomplished with training the dog to obey commands for rewards and making then feel safe and comfortable in positions such as “Sit”, and “Down”.

How can I gain control without physical exercises?
The best way to show the puppy from the outset that each family member is in control, is to teach your puppy that each reward must be earned. The puppy should learn to display subordinate postures through reward training, rather than forcing the puppy to perform. Begin with some basic obedience training, teaching the puppy to sit, stay and lie down for rewards. Practice short sessions, multiple times each day. Whenever the puppy is to receive anything of value (affection, attention, food, play and walks) the puppy should first be taught to earn its reward by performing a simple obedience task such as “sit”. Teach the puppy that rewards of any sort will never be given on demand. Only when the puppy is performing appropriate responses should rewards be given. You can also hold your puppy in submissive postures, and give it rewards for compliance. Do this when the puppy is calm, such as after a nap. Avoid fear and struggling. Be gentle, and only make the puppy be still for a few seconds in the beginning. A submissive posture may be gently holding your puppy on its side in a down position. Gradually you can increase the time you make your puppy submit. These sessions also have the added benefit of teaching your puppy to be still for later activities like grooming, teeth brushing and other maintenance tasks.

Set limits on the puppy so that it can learn that you are in control. Having the puppy sleep in its own bed or own cage rather than on your bed or sofa, helps to keep it in a subordinate position. When the puppy is taken for walks it should be taught to follow. This should begin at the front door where the puppy should be taught to sit, wait, and follow, and never allowed to lead or pull you through the doorway.

What should I do if my puppy misbehaves?
Undesirable misbehavior must be prevented, or corrected in the act. Allowing the puppy, even once to perform an undesirable behavior such as entering a restricted room, jumping up, mounting or jumping onto the sofa will serve to reward and encourage the repetition of the behavior.

There will be times when your new puppy misbehaves. How you reprimand your puppy will often influence later interactions. Young puppies are very impressionable and easily intimidated. Keep this in mind as you discipline your puppy. Harsh physical reprimands are contradicted. They only serve to frighten the puppy and perhaps make them hand shy. We want young puppies to look toward a human hand as something pleasant that brings comfort, food and affection. Puppies are easily disciplined with vocal intonation and loud noises. What is equally important is to redirect the puppy to the correct behavior after you interrupt what you do not like. Remember that punishment must take place while the behavior is occurring, not after.

If you catch your puppy misbehaving, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud "ah, ah". Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after. Often puppies will be startled when they hear these noises and temporarily stop the behavior. At that time you need to tell the puppy "good dog" and quickly redirect the puppy to a more appropriate task.

Another way to interrupt your puppy is with various types of noise devices. One such device is a "shaker can". This is an empty soft drink can that has a few small stones inside and then is taped shut. When given a vigorous shake it makes a loud noise, which will interrupt the puppy’s behavior. A silent dog whistle will work just as well.

The most important thing that you can do to avoid undesirable behavior is to supervise your puppy. Unsupervised puppies will chew and destroy objects as part of their natural curiosity and play. Rather than finding yourself with the need to reprimand your puppy, contain your puppy in a safe place until you can supervise and always make sure that YOU haven’t left anything lying around or in a place where puppy can reach. Always provide suitable play objects designed to entertain your puppy so that it will not want to destroy your possessions.
Most importantly, if you find something that your puppy has destroyed but you did not catch him in the act, just clean it up and make sure to supervise your puppy better in the future. Do not go get your puppy and bring him over to the mess and yell and physically discipline him. Remember that you need to punish the behavior you wish to change at the time it occurs. If you did not see your puppy chew up the object, all you are doing is disciplining your puppy for being present at a mess on the floor. Since that makes no sense to your puppy, your reprimands could create fear and anxiety, which could lead to aggression and owner avoidance.

What can be done for the particularly stubborn, disobedient, or headstrong puppy?
Puppies that are particularly headstrong and stubborn might need some fairly stringent rules. Control games will strengthen your relationship and forge a strong canine/human bond. Games will stop your pup from becoming bored and getting up to no good and also will help calm a headstrong puppy. Games are fun and rewarding. A thinking dog is a happier dog! Games are training in disguise. You will be able to establish control of your pup even when he’s excited, and really we have dogs for companionship so playing and having fun go together, don’t they! One point to remember though is your attitude while playing! Your pup will have fun only if you are enjoying the interaction too!

Remember that any activity that your pup/dog likes but which you control can be used as a reward for good behaviour!
Tug-of-war games should only be allowed if the owner initiates the game, and can successfully call an end to the game, with a "leave", or "give" command when it is time to call it quits. Rough play must not escalate to uncontrollable play biting that cannot be controlled by the owner. It is better to play games that encourage the puppy to think. Entertain and train to ensure a happy companion. Here area couple of great games to start you off.

How: Start by teaching your pup to lick instead of nip (which if left through rough play etc can escalate to bite!). Smear some peanut butter onto palm of your hand, offer it and say, “Lick”.
If pup mouths madly, withdraw hand, wait for pup to settle, offer palm again and say, “Lick”. Repeat until pup accepts palm nicely.
Praise pup firmly but happily.

Now teach - Take It. (This teaches pups not to mouth you).
Firstly place tasty treat in your fist and let pup smell it.
If he mouths or licks, but doesn’t bite, open fist and say “Take it.”
If pup nips, say “Ahh” or “Ouch” and freeze your fist: if pup removes his mouth, open fist, offer the treat, and say “Take it”.

Now make your pup think about his actions.

Take another treat, allow pup sniff it, tell him “Leave it” as you momentarily freeze your fist. (If you must you can very gently give his nose a tiny push with your closed fist as you repeat ‘Leave it”)
When he pauses, open your fist, offer the treat and say “Take it”.
Gradually make pup wait a few more seconds until he’ll wait 5, then 10 seconds before opening your fist and giving him permission to “Take it”.

Patience and timing go hand in hand so don’t rush your pups training. The next step is to hold the treat between your thumb and index finger of your right hand – instead of closed fist. Remind pup to be gentle as you say “Take it”. If he is gentle with his mouth, praise him softly and treat again. If he snatches or bites, say “Ahh” or “Ouch” and momentarily turn your back to him and withdraw your attention. Then repeat, always give your pup the choice of doing the right thing, praise and reward.

Follow the leader:

Set up an obstacle course in the backyard using anything you have lying around, from plant pots to plastic chairs.. Some children’s play equipment is good too like hoops and tunnels. Make it interesting and challenging for both of you, but ensure it is safe and that your puppy doesn’t have to jump over high obstacles. Lead your puppy around the course and, using treats and praise, encourage him to follow you through the obstacles. This game helps increase the bond between you and your pup. It also shows your new friend that you’re the leader of the pack and if it follows you and looks to you for direction, it will be rewarded.

Which hand has the food?

Start with puppy in Sit position. Have smelly treats ready. Place treat in one hand, let pup see you do this, place hands behind your back, they bring them in front of puppy about a foot apart, in an exciting tone tell puppy to find! At first he will sniff and paw at both hands but when he indicates the correct one, open hand and quietly praise and reward. Once he understands the principle start to make it harder by moving your hands back and forth and up and down and then hold still and command dog to find. Have a friend hold your puppy with its back to you while you place a treat under a cup in a line of three or more. Face puppy towards cups and command ‘find’. You will enjoy seeing your pup sniff out the correct one. Remember, a dog’s nose always knows! Positive reinforcement is used to encourage proper behavior.

What types of handling should I begin with when I start to train my puppy?

A. Body Handling

You will do yourself and your new pet a favor by teaching your new puppy to allow you to handle his body. Throughout the life of your dog there will be times that you need to handle various parts of the dog’s body. You may need to wipe their feet, clean their ears, look for and remove ticks, give medication or bandage a paw. Yet if you have never handled your dog these simple tasks could become impossible. Handling also serves to simulate the physical communication that is exhibited by a bitch controlling her puppies or a leader dog over a subordinate group member. You should gently handle your puppy daily. Pick a time when your puppy is calm, like just after a nap. Do not try to start a body handling exercise when your puppy is excited, rambunctious or in the mood for play.

Place the puppy in your lap and touch the feet, open the mouth, look in the ears and under the tail. All the while, praise your puppy for being good, even offer a few tasty food treats. Be sure to keep initial sessions very short, since you want your puppy to succeed and not struggle. If the session is too long you run the risk of the puppy struggling and getting free. This could send a message to your puppy that it can "win". Always set up the puppy to succeed, but on your terms. Gradually increase the amount of time you control your puppy so that no struggle ensues. Soon the puppy will allow and perhaps anticipate these handling sessions. Then when you need to, you can treat your dog. All family members should participate in this exercise. An adult should supervise young children. If you see any hesitance or reluctance on the part of the puppy, you will want to repeat the exercise, until you can accomplish the handling without resistance. Do the same exercise a little more gently or in a slightly different location, and give some tasty treats for compliance, and progress gradually to more difficult situations. Never force the puppy to the point that it exhibits fear or attempts escape. On the other hand if you do not gradually overcome the resistance the puppy may never allow the handling as an adult. Over time your puppy should allow you to place pressure on the back of its neck while it is in a down position, to roll it onto its side, to grasp its muzzle and to be lifted (if it is small enough). These forms of handling should not be used for punishment.

B. Food guarding, toy guarding

Another exercise that is so important is to get your puppy used to having his food and possessions touched by humans. (Do Not let young children do this). Dogs in the wild will guard their food to prevent its loss but that is not necessary in the home. We are not going to take away our pet’s food and not give it back. Handle the food bowl while your puppy eats, pet the puppy and perhaps lift the bowl, place in a special treat, and return it. When walking past the puppy while it is eating you can place a treat in its food bowl, or reach down, pat the puppy and give a treat. This way the puppy learns to tolerate intrusions and disturbance while it eats and will not be startled and react aggressively should something unexpected happen when eating. If the treat you add is tasty enough, the puppy may even look forward to your approaches during feeding. If any growling should emerge you should seek professional guidance immediately.

You should also practice gently taking toys from the puppy. Quietly and calmly place your hand on the toy and tell your puppy "give" as you remove it from its mouth. Offer a tasty treat in return and praise the puppy, then return object as you tell your puppy to "take it". Repeat this training task multiple times daily in multiple locations. You should be able to handle any toy that your puppy has. This sends the message to the puppy that it is okay for you to handle its possessions, and that you will give them back. The puppy will trust you and then when you need to remove something from the mouth, your dog should accept your interference. Again DO NOT let children do this.




















								The average dog can understand between 35 and 45 words/commands.

	TRAINING Taking Control Dogs are a highly social "pack" species. Each pack has a leader that the other members follow and look to for "direction". When puppies enter our homes the human family becomes their new pack. Puppies adapt well to this artificial pack as long as the members of the family take on the role of leader. A pushy puppy receiving insufficient guidance and discipline and allowed to get his own way, could eventually emerge as "pack leader" in the home. When is the best time to begin training my puppy? Formal dog training has traditionally been delayed until 6 months of age. Actually, this juvenile stage is a poor time to begin training. The dog is beginning to solidify adult behavioral patterns, dominance behavior is emerging, and behaviors that they have learned in puppy-hood may need to be changed. Therefore, it is best to begin teaching puppies from the time they are obtained, usually at 8 weeks of age. Puppies from our home begin their training at five weeks of age! By the time the go to their new homes they are competent at, “sit”, “down”, “come” have been used to a crate and have been well socialized and conditioned to novel stimuli. New owners are given training notes to help the puppy continue with their training without any confusion and miss interpretations. One important task to begin early is to establish yourself as the leader. Are physical exercises necessary for gaining control? Although there are many physical techniques that have been advocated for gaining control, it is the owners’ attitudes, actions, and responses to the new puppy (along with the puppy’s genetics) that are most important in the puppy becoming either well-mannered and responsive, or stubborn and disobedient. Dog training literature has often discussed using scruff shakes and rollover techniques to discipline puppies. While these may change behavior, they are harsh that could lead to fear, anxiety and retaliation. Thankfully training techniques have changed for the better. It has been proved that it is much easier to teach what you want, rather than discipline what you don't want. This makes a positive, learning environment for the puppy to grow up in. There are advantages to teaching your puppy to assume subordinate postures and this can be accomplished with training the dog to obey commands for rewards and making then feel safe and comfortable in positions such as “Sit”, and “Down”. How can I gain control without physical exercises? The best way to show the puppy from the outset that each family member is in control, is to teach your puppy that each reward must be earned. The puppy should learn to display subordinate postures through reward training, rather than forcing the puppy to perform. Begin with some basic obedience training, teaching the puppy to sit, stay and lie down for rewards. Practice short sessions, multiple times each day. Whenever the puppy is to receive anything of value (affection, attention, food, play and walks) the puppy should first be taught to earn its reward by performing a simple obedience task such as “sit”. Teach the puppy that rewards of any sort will never be given on demand. Only when the puppy is performing appropriate responses should rewards be given. You can also hold your puppy in submissive postures, and give it rewards for compliance. Do this when the puppy is calm, such as after a nap. Avoid fear and struggling. Be gentle, and only make the puppy be still for a few seconds in the beginning. A submissive posture may be gently holding your puppy on its side in a down position. Gradually you can increase the time you make your puppy submit. These sessions also have the added benefit of teaching your puppy to be still for later activities like grooming, teeth brushing and other maintenance tasks. Set limits on the puppy so that it can learn that you are in control. Having the puppy sleep in its own bed or own cage rather than on your bed or sofa, helps to keep it in a subordinate position. When the puppy is taken for walks it should be taught to follow. This should begin at the front door where the puppy should be taught to sit, wait, and follow, and never allowed to lead or pull you through the doorway. What should I do if my puppy misbehaves? Undesirable misbehavior must be prevented, or corrected in the act. Allowing the puppy, even once to perform an undesirable behavior such as entering a restricted room, jumping up, mounting or jumping onto the sofa will serve to reward and encourage the repetition of the behavior. There will be times when your new puppy misbehaves. How you reprimand your puppy will often influence later interactions. Young puppies are very impressionable and easily intimidated. Keep this in mind as you discipline your puppy. Harsh physical reprimands are contradicted. They only serve to frighten the puppy and perhaps make them hand shy. We want young puppies to look toward a human hand as something pleasant that brings comfort, food and affection. Puppies are easily disciplined with vocal intonation and loud noises. What is equally important is to redirect the puppy to the correct behavior after you interrupt what you do not like. Remember that punishment must take place while the behavior is occurring, not after. If you catch your puppy misbehaving, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud "ah, ah". Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after. Often puppies will be startled when they hear these noises and temporarily stop the behavior. At that time you need to tell the puppy "good dog" and quickly redirect the puppy to a more appropriate task. Another way to interrupt your puppy is with various types of noise devices. One such device is a "shaker can". This is an empty soft drink can that has a few small stones inside and then is taped shut. When given a vigorous shake it makes a loud noise, which will interrupt the puppy’s behavior. A silent dog whistle will work just as well. The most important thing that you can do to avoid undesirable behavior is to supervise your puppy. Unsupervised puppies will chew and destroy objects as part of their natural curiosity and play. Rather than finding yourself with the need to reprimand your puppy, contain your puppy in a safe place until you can supervise and always make sure that YOU haven’t left anything lying around or in a place where puppy can reach. Always provide suitable play objects designed to entertain your puppy so that it will not want to destroy your possessions. Most importantly, if you find something that your puppy has destroyed but you did not catch him in the act, just clean it up and make sure to supervise your puppy better in the future. Do not go get your puppy and bring him over to the mess and yell and physically discipline him. Remember that you need to punish the behavior you wish to change at the time it occurs. If you did not see your puppy chew up the object, all you are doing is disciplining your puppy for being present at a mess on the floor. Since that makes no sense to your puppy, your reprimands could create fear and anxiety, which could lead to aggression and owner avoidance. What can be done for the particularly stubborn, disobedient, or headstrong puppy? Puppies that are particularly headstrong and stubborn might need some fairly stringent rules. Control games will strengthen your relationship and forge a strong canine/human bond. Games will stop your pup from becoming bored and getting up to no good and also will help calm a headstrong puppy. Games are fun and rewarding. A thinking dog is a happier dog! Games are training in disguise. You will be able to establish control of your pup even when he’s excited, and really we have dogs for companionship so playing and having fun go together, don’t they! One point to remember though is your attitude while playing! Your pup will have fun only if you are enjoying the interaction too! Remember that any activity that your pup/dog likes but which you control can be used as a reward for good behaviour! Tug-of-war games should only be allowed if the owner initiates the game, and can successfully call an end to the game, with a "leave", or "give" command when it is time to call it quits. Rough play must not escalate to uncontrollable play biting that cannot be controlled by the owner. It is better to play games that encourage the puppy to think. Entertain and train to ensure a happy companion. Here area couple of great games to start you off. Game One Taking treats Gently – an exercise to encourage a soft mouth How: Start by teaching your pup to lick instead of nip (which if left through *rough play* etc can escalate to *bite!). Smear some peanut butter onto palm of your hand, offer it and say, “Lick”. If pup mouths madly, withdraw hand, wait for pup to settle, offer palm again and say, “Lick”. Repeat until pup accepts palm nicely. Praise pup firmly but happily. Now teach - Take It.* (This teaches pups *not to* mouth you). Firstly place tasty treat in your fist and let pup smell it. If he mouths or licks, but doesn’t bite, open fist and say “*Take it.”* If pup nips, say “*Ahh” or “Ouch” and freeze your fist: if pup removes his mouth, open fist, offer the treat, and say “Take it”.* *Now make your pup think about his actions. Take another treat, allow pup sniff it, tell him “Leave it”* as you momentarily freeze your fist. (If you must you can very gently give his nose a tiny push with your closed fist as you repeat *‘Leave it”)* When he pauses, open your fist, offer the treat and say “*Take it”.* Gradually make pup wait a few more seconds until he’ll wait 5, then 10 seconds before opening your fist and giving him permission to “*Take it”.* Patience and timing go hand in hand so don’t rush your pups training. The next step is to hold the treat between your thumb and index finger of your right hand – instead of closed fist. Remind pup to be gentle as you say “*Take it”. If he is gentle with his mouth, praise him softly and treat again. If he snatches or bites, say “Ahh” or “Ouch” and momentarily turn your back to him and withdraw your attention. Then repeat, always give your pup the choice of doing the right thing, praise and reward. Game Two Follow the leader: Set up an obstacle course in the backyard using anything you have lying around, from plant pots to plastic chairs.. Some children’s play equipment is good too like hoops and tunnels. Make it interesting and challenging for both of you, but ensure it is safe and that your puppy doesn’t have to jump over high obstacles. Lead your puppy around the course and, using treats and praise, encourage him to follow you through the obstacles. This game helps increase the bond between you and your pup. It also shows your new friend that you’re the leader of the pack and if it follows you and looks to you for direction, it will be rewarded. Game Three Which hand has the food?* Start with puppy in Sit position. Have smelly treats ready. Place treat in one hand, let pup see you do this, place hands behind your back, they bring them in front of puppy about a foot apart, in an exciting tone tell puppy to find! At first he will sniff and paw at both hands but when he indicates the correct one, open hand and quietly praise and reward. Once he understands the principle start to make it harder by moving your hands back and forth and up and down and then hold still and command dog to find. Have a friend hold your puppy with its back to you while you place a treat under a cup in a line of three or more. Face puppy towards cups and command ‘find’. You will enjoy seeing your pup sniff out the correct one. Remember, a dog’s nose always knows! Positive reinforcement is used to encourage proper behavior. What types of handling should I begin with when I start to train my puppy? A. Body Handling You will do yourself and your new pet a favor by teaching your new puppy to allow you to handle his body. Throughout the life of your dog there will be times that you need to handle various parts of the dog’s body. You may need to wipe their feet, clean their ears, look for and remove ticks, give medication or bandage a paw. Yet if you have never handled your dog these simple tasks could become impossible. Handling also serves to simulate the physical communication that is exhibited by a bitch controlling her puppies or a leader dog over a subordinate group member. You should gently handle your puppy daily. Pick a time when your puppy is calm, like just after a nap. Do not try to start a body handling exercise when your puppy is excited, rambunctious or in the mood for play. Place the puppy in your lap and touch the feet, open the mouth, look in the ears and under the tail. All the while, praise your puppy for being good, even offer a few tasty food treats. Be sure to keep initial sessions very short, since you want your puppy to succeed and not struggle. If the session is too long you run the risk of the puppy struggling and getting free. This could send a message to your puppy that it can "win". Always set up the puppy to succeed, but on your terms. Gradually increase the amount of time you control your puppy so that no struggle ensues. Soon the puppy will allow and perhaps anticipate these handling sessions. Then when you need to, you can treat your dog. All family members should participate in this exercise. An adult should supervise young children. If you see any hesitance or reluctance on the part of the puppy, you will want to repeat the exercise, until you can accomplish the handling without resistance. Do the same exercise a little more gently or in a slightly different location, and give some tasty treats for compliance, and progress gradually to more difficult situations. Never force the puppy to the point that it exhibits fear or attempts escape. On the other hand if you do not gradually overcome the resistance the puppy may never allow the handling as an adult. Over time your puppy should allow you to place pressure on the back of its neck while it is in a down position, to roll it onto its side, to grasp its muzzle and to be lifted (if it is small enough). These forms of handling should not be used for punishment. B. Food guarding, toy guarding Another exercise that is so important is to get your puppy used to having his food and possessions touched by humans. (*Do Not* let young children do this). Dogs in the wild will guard their food to prevent its loss but that is not necessary in the home. We are not going to take away our pet’s food and not give it back. Handle the food bowl while your puppy eats, pet the puppy and perhaps lift the bowl, place in a special treat, and return it. When walking past the puppy while it is eating you can place a treat in its food bowl, or reach down, pat the puppy and give a treat. This way the puppy learns to tolerate intrusions and disturbance while it eats and will not be startled and react aggressively should something unexpected happen when eating. If the treat you add is tasty enough, the puppy may even look forward to your approaches during feeding. If any growling should emerge you should seek professional guidance immediately. You should also practice gently taking toys from the puppy. Quietly and calmly place your hand on the toy and tell your puppy "give" as you remove it from its mouth. Offer a tasty treat in return and praise the puppy, then return object as you tell your puppy to "take it". Repeat this training task multiple times daily in multiple locations. You should be able to handle any toy that your puppy has. This sends the message to the puppy that it is okay for you to handle its possessions, and that you will give them back. The puppy will trust you and then when you need to remove something from the mouth, your dog should accept your interference. Again DO NOT let children do this. Home Training Guidelines Train you puppy in short training sessions of no more than 5 minutes each. Spread several sessions throughout the day or integrate training into other activities. Keep the training session fun. Stop any training session if you are feeling angry or frustrated. Never hit your puppy. Expose your puppy to as many different, positive experiences as possible. Include a variety of people, places and things in your puppy's life. Take the opportunity to reward good behavior. Prevent problems by confining your puppy when you can't supervise its actions. Understand your puppy’s abilities and train accordingly. Don’t assume s/he knows what you want. Practice makes perfect. Continue to treat your pup until you get the desired response at least 85% of the time. Only then can you begin to treat randomly! Remember to always have fun and enjoy your canine friend. Their love is unconditional. I have enjoyed sharing my experiences with you. Happy training, Cora

Home Training Guidelines