How do you discipline a puppy?

**luvofallhorses** · 08-02-2011, 11:58 PM

Redirect her to something she can have and ALWAYS be positive.

**sasvermont** · 08-03-2011, 07:31 AM

When I took Prue to training, the trainer had us bring roast beef, turkey, cheese, lots and lots of really good food.....that I never give her now....but she could not resist them when she was a puppy. The whole point is to get her loving the rewards for her behavior. It seemed to work, as she is great on the leash, etc. She does, however, as I mentioned, run the neighborhood when she is off leash. I think I will sign her up for the next available group of lessons for the "come" command that she cannot seem to hear/understand.

I agree, be positive, lots of treats and one syllable words.....sit, out, paw, down, wait, leave it.....eventually... I even taught Prue to ring a bell when she wants a treat or has to go outside.

We did an hour at a time, when at the training. It seemed to be enough for her and ME. She caught on quickly and was much better with the trainer than with me. Someone once said that dog training schools are for the owners, not the dogs! How true.

I would keep Ms. Muffett confined unless you are watching her like a hawk. Prue did chew my laptop power cord while I was using the computer. So much for my advice.

They do outgrow the chewing, but it seems to takes months....and hey, it does. Prue is great now, chewing only on her toys.

I have watchbands, shoes, corners of furniture with her signature on them....and I was watching her closely. It takes only a second to do the damage.

Have fun! Remember, sweeten the deal with tasty treats and keep her busy and tired.

**Sowa** · 08-03-2011, 08:17 AM

Well she certainly loves food. Any dog food, treats, anything. She loves it. I usually can always get her attention if I have something.

**ToBeEvergreen** · 08-03-2011, 12:52 PM

That's good, if she's highly food motivated it's a great training tool.

**Sowa** · 08-03-2011, 07:44 PM

Yeah, but might that teach her to only listen if I have food to give her? My last dog would only learn new things if I had treats. Otherwise she wasn't interested.

**Karen** · 08-03-2011, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by Sowa

Yeah, but might that teach her to only listen if I have food to give her? My last dog would only learn new things if I had treats. Otherwise she wasn't interested.

No, you can always use a combination of treats AND praise, and after a while try using just praise from time to time! She IS a Lab, food will always be a priority for her, but it need not be her only priority!