Puppy Training starts at Eight Weeks

Now that I only have Pontus left, I can concentrate on the training. He is keen to learn and it is vital that we go everywhere to see the world. I had him in the pub, in the car, meeting other dogs and on the moor. Here is his first day in the heather:

Pontus smelling the heather on the moor.

I teach him to sit by using a little treat inside my hand with the command:

Sitting for the award

Then getting the award:

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And the “Lie down”:

Guiding Pontus to lie down following the treat.

Almost down.

Being a very good boy.

And the fantastic “Leave it, take it”:

First a treat is in my closed hand and I say “Leave it”:

Say “Leave it”

Once he gives up trying to get to the treat, I open my hand, still saying “Leave it” till he understands not to take the treat.

I keep saying “Leave it” while he is good at not touching.

He is being good at leaving the treat:

It’s there and he can’t touch it.

When he is good, not touching, he is rewarded with a “Take it” and gets the treat. It only takes a few goes before he gets the command:

Rewarded with a “Take it” and the treat.

Such a good boy!

And out and about we tackle water. Not swimming yet, but happy with a splash.

Splashing though the little shallow stream.

Making waves.

It’s a start and swimming is next.

Of course he is impressed with living in a house with lots of great dog beds:

Here he is on a Puppy Tuffie.