Leadership exercises for families and puppies
Practice these leadership exercises as the situations occur throughout the day. The will help turn your puppy into a confident friendly dog that is eager to please all members of the family-adults and children alike.
do:Have your puppy sit and wait while you go through outside doors first.
Have your puppy wait for their meal until after people have had their dinner. Teach your puppy to accept being touched while they eat. Gently move your puppy out of the way if they are lying in your path. Have your puppy obey a request like sit before receiving attention. Pet your puppy with long, slow strokes starting at the top of the head and continuing to the shoulders. Play games like fetch, with you in control of the toys at the end. Teach your puppy that hands are not appropriate chew toys. Practice touching and handling your puppy's feet, mouth and ears. Practice the controlled down exercise and let your puppy up when they relax. |
don't:Let your puppy run through the doorway ahead of you.
Let your puppy eat before you or at the same time. Avoid disturbing your puppy when he is eating. Step around your puppy or choose another route so she isn't disturbed. Pet your puppy whenever they come to demand attention from you. Pet your puppy with quick, short strokes across the head or face that get them excited. Play games like tug of war, where your puppy is likely to win. Encourage your puppy to bite hands by playing games with their mouth. Avoid touching your puppy's feet, mouth and ears. Put your puppy on their back, them let them escape or let them up as they struggle. |