Puppy Training Tips for Gelling Attention
If your puppy is to learn anything you are trying to teach, he must be paying attention to you. These games will help to teach your puppy to focus on you for long enough so that you are able to teach him the lessons he needs to learn.
The following games will help you to learn how to get your puppy’s full attention. This is important if you are going to train him successfully, as you will need him to be completely focused on you before you begin each exercise. Practice these games and then use them to help get your puppy in the mood to learn as well as focusing him on you before the start of each session.
Tail-Wagging Game
See how much you can make your puppy’s tail wag. Who in the family can make the puppy’s tail wag the most? What do they do that can be copied by everyone? What makes your puppy pay most attention? Be silly, have fun, offer treats, games and praise in a high-pitched, excited voice. Rub him lightly and fast along his sides, clap, move around and generally act the fool! The more excitement you can generate, the more your puppy’s tail will wag and the more attention you will have, which will help with his training.
Look-At-Me Game
Show your puppy that you have something he wants, say his name, hold it under your chin and wait until he looks up at you. Then give the treat or have a game with the toy. Repeat over several sessions until your puppy looks at you whenever you say his name. Once you are getting eye contact easily when you say your puppy’s name, gradually increase the length of time you hold his attention. Start slowly, counting to two before rewarding, then repeat counting to three before rewarding and so on.
In The Mood To Learn
As well as being interested in food or wanting to play, your puppy also needs to be alert and lively rather than tired. Choose times for your puppy training routines during the day when he has had enough rest, when he does not want to go to the toilet and when he is not distracted by anything else. If you own a boisterous puppy who has lots of energy, try to arrange a vigorous play and free-running session in a safe place before training. This will help to ensure that your puppy is in a calm, ready-to-learn mood.
Puppy Training Tips Q&A
Q My puppy isn’t interested in any toys. How can I encourage him?
Try moving the toys about rapidly and erratically (imitate a small moving animal). Let your puppy have the toy to play with more often.
Q My puppy looks everywhere but in my eyes. Is he afraid of me?
Some puppies are shy and don’t like to stare at their owners. Reward even a glance or a near miss so that you encourage and eventually build up the behavior you want.
Q My puppy gets distracted easily when I am playing with him. What can I do?
Try again in a quieter area. Make sure that you have something the puppy really wants.
Q My puppy tries to avoid being touched. How can I help him overcome this?
Be gentler with your hands and go slower. Stroke rather than pat along his sides and avoid the sensitive head area.
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