Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, and early training, like teaching your puppy to “sit” and “say please,” can lead to a well-behaved companion. However, as puppies mature, owners often wonder when to transition from constant treat rewards to feeding from a regular food bowl. This article addresses the common question of when to stop rewarding “everything” with treats and how to manage puppy behaviors like excessive biting and persistent sitting for food.
The key to successful training isn’t about when to stop using treats, but rather how to redirect rewards to more appropriate behaviors and to utilize your puppy’s daily food allowance effectively for ongoing learning and good habits. Instead of hand-feeding treats for simply sitting, consider training your puppy to lie down politely on a designated mat or rug. This can be further reinforced by tethering her to furniture near the rug, encouraging a “down-stay.” As she masters this, gradually increase the intervals between rewards, eventually leading to her resting calmly out of habit. dog man book 1 read online free.
Utilizing Your Puppy’s Daily Food Allotment
The remaining portion of your puppy’s daily food can be strategically used to train essential behaviors. This includes teaching her to walk politely on a leash, greet people calmly while remaining seated, come when called, and focus on you during walks, especially when distractions like cats and squirrels appear. Furthermore, mealtime rewards can be instrumental in preparing your puppy for necessary handling, such as toenail trims and veterinary examinations. Positive socialization experiences are also crucial. By 10 weeks old, there are ample opportunities for your puppy to “earn” her food through continued training and the formation of good habits, including exposure to a variety of people, well-behaved dogs, new environments, and even other animals. dog man books free to read.
Addressing Puppy Biting Behavior
Puppy play-biting can be a persistent issue if timing and consistency in training are not sharp. To effectively curb this behavior, household members must be consistent in their approach. When your puppy mouths or bites, the immediate reaction should be to remove your attention and arms, or even stand up if necessary, clearly signaling that biting stops the interaction. This is a more effective method than engaging in further play or repeatedly saying “out” without removing the reward. dog man books free.
For instance, if a puppy mouths an arm, the person should instantly withdraw their arm and cease all interaction. This teaches the puppy that biting leads to the end of playtime. If the puppy then stops biting and sits, petting can be resumed. Similarly, if a puppy grabs the leash, the handler should stand still. When the puppy stops, the walk can resume. Inconsistent reactions, such as shouting “out” but not immediately removing hands and attention, can confuse the puppy, making her perceive the dangling arms as an interactive toy. dog man book read online free.
The Importance of Timing, Consistency, and Clear Signals
The crucial takeaway message is the importance of observing and ensuring consistency among all family members involved in training. Ensure that games designed to encourage desired behaviors, like repeat sits, are fast-paced and engaging. Your body language should be clear; avoid inadvertently waving arms or dangling them in a way that might invite biting or jumping for treats. If biting occurs, attention and interaction must be removed within a split second to clearly communicate the unwanted behavior. read dog man free.
By identifying and correcting minor errors in timing and execution, and by tightening up your training techniques, you can significantly reduce unwanted behaviors like biting and chewing on arms. This will allow your puppy to engage more with toys and interact politely, leading to more enjoyable playtime for everyone. The goal is to shape your puppy’s behavior so she understands how to interact appropriately, ultimately fostering a stronger bond between you and your furry companion.
