Puppy Etiquette

Veterinarian Bernadine Cruz provides lessons in puppy etiquette. She demonstrates the essential trainer commands for teaching puppies at home. By teaching puppies "manners," bad behavior can be prevented.

• The two most important words for a puppy to understand are "no," and the puppy's name. Stay consistent with those words, and use them repeatedly.
  
• The tone of voice is important. If a puppy misbehaves, it should be corrected in a stern tone. Trying to coddle a puppy with a soothing tone of voice while trying to correct it won't get many results.
  
• Repetition is the key for the next two basic commands: "sit" and "stay." Tone of voice is important here as well. A short, firm "sit," will eventually get results, while varying the command to an extent, such as "Please sit for mama," and "Would you sit? Come on," will only confuse the puppy.
  
• "Sit" for the beginning puppy can be accompanied by coaxing the puppy by hand. Repeat "sit" while gently placing a hand under the puppy's chin and lifting, and at the same time gently pressing the dog's lower back to give it the idea that the hindquarters should go down.
  
• There isn't a specific time frame for a puppy to learn a command. Some puppies are just faster studies than other puppies, but the key element is consistency in training.
  
• "Come" is usually the next command to teach a puppy. It is as simple as squatting down and in a positive tone of voice calling the puppy's name and saying "come." If the puppy is distracted or shy, a gentle tug of the leash can communicate the idea while repeating the name. When the puppy comes, use positive reinforcement such as petting and vocal praise rather than treats. If a puppy isn't responding to "come," resist using a stern tone of voice--this is reserved for "no." Intertwining the two words with the same stern tone can confuse a young puppy.
  
• There are some differences in puppy treats on the market. Pig ears can be delicious, but they also carry the risk of transferring salmonella. Cow hooves are also fun, but for some puppies, and even older dogs, hooves are too hard and can crack teeth. Among the better treats are nylon bones that have small, massaging ridges. A little peanut butter on one end of a nylon bone will keep most any puppy satisfied.
  
• Housebreaking a puppy can be somewhat of an ordeal, but pet crates can go a long way to aiding that routine. Historically, dogs have found comfort in caves, and a pet crate can represent that safe, warm, enclosed area special to a dog. Crates should not serve as a place to put dogs only when bad. Allow the door to remain open when in the house with the puppy, allowing it to go in and out. When away from the house, the puppy can be kept in the crate, but if the crate is too big, a puppy might be tempted to potty in the corner. The idea is for the crate to be comfortable, but small enough to give the reason to "hold it" until it's able to go outside.
  
  Article Resource: hgtv.com
  
  Dr. Bernadine Cruz
  Veterinarian, Laguna Hills Animal Hospital
  Laguna Hills, CA
  Phone: 949-837-7333
  Website: lagunahillsanimalhospital.com