When this was written, we had a new family member - a baby Boxer. We named him Buddy because often when his predecessor, Bo, walked in for a visit with the residents at St. Joseph's, he was greeted with a cheery "Hi Buddy". I'm a big believer in "go with the flow" whenever possible. So...Buddy it is!

He's 3 months old and full of energy! I'll keep you up to date through this column and together we will record Buddy's change from a coltish youngster to an adult. We'll talk about some of the adventures Baby Buddy and Gin have enjoyed (and survived).

When one is working with a puppy or untrained dog, the first items which must be attended to are housetraining, waiting to have feet dried and learning to come when called.

I'm referring to the dog as "puppy" but these techniques work with older dogs as well.

We talked about housetraining last time. It's going pretty well. Buddy has us well trained and whenever he becomes restless, we let him go out. The key to housetraining a puppy is to be ever vigilant and consistent.

As puppy comes back into the house, I have a little treat ready. As she enters, I put the food right in front of her face and say "Feet". While she nibbles (don't let her take it from you, but rather let her work at getting the tidbit, by chewing on it from between fingers) I dry each foot with an old towel which is kept by the door for that purpose.

The come when called concept can be a tough one. Some dogs, by nature, are independent. As a result, they will "go into business for themselves" should the opportunity present itself. Most dogs will venture into an entrepreneurial undertaking once in awhile. As a result, in the initial stages particularly, it is important to make coming when called a pleasant experience and one the pup/dog wants to repeat.

The best way to begin teaching a puppy to respond happily to the come when called command is to work with a helper. Helper #1 holds the puppy by gently placing hands on the chest and restraining the pup. Helper #2 has a delicious tidbit which is shown to puppy and puppy is allowed to sniff it. Helper #2 then runs from puppy (about 15 feet) calling and keeping puppy's attention. Helper #2 stops at the 15' mark, turns and holds out the food to puppy, commands "Buddy, Come! Helper #1 releases puppy after the command "Come" and while puppy is trying to escape the hold and go the person calling. Puppy will run to Helper #2 to get the treat.

Now the whole procedure is reversed, so Helper #2 holds puppy and Helper #1 calls. Repeat this so puppy is running from one to the other for 4 repetitions in total. Then shut that part of the training down until the next day. Whenever puppy hears her name followed by "Come!" she will remember pleasant experiences and will be much more willing to run to the person calling.

 Back to Pawsitive Education