The new puppy more times than not means "the new family-member" rather than "the new dog". But what if the new addition to the family does not behave "according to the rules"? Do you have what it takes to turn the new destructive monster - especially when they are teething... into the well-behaved pet with good "manners" that everyone will be envious about?
Read the following short guidelines - they are meant to give you some idea as to how to approach your new friend. Your furry companion's learning curve can be fun rather than work. It's only a matter of the right approach.

1. Have all your treats and equipment ready before your first exercises.
   
   
2. Keep in mind that the attention-span of a young dog is very short. Therefore, it is crucial to pick an environment without any distractions. Always start with easy tasks and gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises. Slowly try to bring different distractions into your training-sessions (e.g. by practising outside rather than in your home). Always end your training-sessions with a “success”. This increases your dog's motivation towards learning more.
   
   
3. Make sure that you and your dog have mastered one lesson well before going on to the next to avoid confusion.
   
   
4. Whatever you use to motivate your doggie during his training (toys, food etc.) should not be kept within his / her reach. If they can be got at at any time without having to “work” for it they will loose the effect.
   
   
5. Do schedule any training-sessions, when you are under time-pressure or not in the right mood. If you cannot concentrate on working with your dog, you will not be able to motivate him properly.
   
   
6. Watch your furry friend during your trainings. Stop whenever he gets tired or looses interest. Judge for yourself whether he / she is still good for a couple of minutes more or needs a rest.
   
   
7. Do not run a set schedule for your training. Make them short parts of your “normal” day and alternate time and length of the individual sessions. Otherwise, your dog will get used to the pre-set times and will not be as cooperative during other times. This leads to the well-known situation of “On Wednesdays afternoon he is always much more biddable...”