Always be consistent:
Dogs learn by having negative actions corrected and having positive actions rewarded and reinforced. If a puppy jumps
up on a couch and gets a firm "NO" and is gently, but very definitely , removed from the couch , it will soon get the idea
that the couch is off limits.
If one member of the family lets the pup get on the couch , the pup will only become confused and possibly resentful
when it is reprimanded and removed.
The keys to training are as simple as the mother dogīs model.
Although there are many schools of thought about dog training , ranging from harsh methods using shock collars to Quasi-training
that really only lets the dog do what it wants to do , the motherīs model is one constant that many approaches have at there
center.
Establish a regular training schedule each day:
Training sessions don't have to be to long . Between 10 and 15 minutes for each session is long enough. This to keep
the spirit up , and let the dog think that it still is fun to train without being bored.
Keep the sessions gearedtoward training:
Avoid places and times when there are distractions that could draw away the full attention of your puppy. Although these
times enjoyable , they are not times for play.
Fill the "alpha" role:
The firm , businesslike sound of your voice will let the puppy know training time is different from playtime and that
you are in charge. be stern and consistent , but remember to never attempt training when you are angry or upset over something.
Set clear and attainable training goals:
Before each training session set definite , but reasonable , things you want to accomplish in this session. Donīt
expect too much too soon. Make training a matter of small , incremental steps that will ultimately move you and your APBT
/ Am Staff toward a specific direction.
Conduct each session as a single-focus class:
You know that your dog may not respond well to a lot of meaningless repetition of commands. You also know that each session
have a beginning point and an ending point. Try to end each session in a positive way.
Stick to your planned goals for that session:
When you train your puppy , you can go back over previous lessons, but if the goal for today is heeling , focus on healing.
Correct your pup each time it does not heal correctly and praise it each time it does it right. If the pup starts to chafe
with the repetitions, cut the session short.
Reward the right way:
Although some animal trainers use small bits of food as a reward during training, most dog trainers recognize that praise
is what the dog wants most. When a pup correctly does what it was commanded to do , give it an enthusiastic pat and a warm
word of praise. Doing the right thing once does not mean that you and your dog can begin playtime.
Separate training time from fun time:
You want to keep your pupīs attention on what it must learn. Put a little distance in the pupīs mind between the training
session and any subsequent play. Praise a trainee for doing the right thing but wait until later to show lavish affection
as you play with your beloved pet.
Follow the mother dogīs example of correcting imediatly:
Like the mother dog, you should make corrections right then, right on the spot. Waiting to correct the puppy later is
useless because the youngster may not even remember the correction involved.
Patience is the greatest virtue in training:
As important as consistence is , without patience you are lost. If you try to push the pup faster than it can go
you could ruin a fine young animal. Always be patient with your pup and with yourself as a trainer.
