Ehhhh... a funny word, but to a puppy it becomes a clue that it better stop and look at you. Teach the pup about this word. Use in the following instances:
When he makes a mistake, say "ehhh". Praise him when he does a good job. This is one of the most handy words in early training. I use it as a way to count down my dogs when they have been naughty. It really works and is a principle of all training. Saying "NO" all the time should not take place, it gets to the point of being ignored.
Remember to use "Ehhh" when biting is a bit too hard, puppies have to be taught not to bite too hard. After saying "ehhh", then redirect them to an appropriate toy. Another way is to say "ouch" and turn away from them and ignore them for a few seconds. I have found the "ehhh" works better.
Also, really bad behavior in a small puppy gets a time out, gently hold a puppy, and when it stops struggling to get down, praise it. This is part of alpha dog training, and you are the alpha dog, not the puppy. Spanking creates mean dogs, and fear biters.
Use a coke bottle with pennies to shake when the pup is far away and doing something inappropriate. This is an annoying sound and will get the pups attention. As soon as the pups attention is on you, praise it.
By Robyn
Editor's Note: I bet the Fonze would love this puppy training method... "Ehhhhhh!"
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How old should a puppy be to start training?
By Mary from Oroville, CA
I agree with the rest.. start training now before any bad habits start! We adopted two 7 wk old puppies while we were on vacation; Shep and golden lab mix (females) and began training them that very day. They are now 16 wks and they've learned to sit, lay, fetch, sit by the front door (they are outside dogs), stay in the yard & shake paws.
I just adopted a 7 week old black lab, and he constantly goes pee. I've been crate training him but every once in a while he'll go in the crate, even though I take him out every 45 mins, then once we are outside he will walk around peeing. Sometimes it's just a few drops but he stops every few mins and pees again. Is this normal or a health issue? I have no clue as to how I'm going to train a pup that goes so much. Please help.....................
-Pam
i say start now. it wont hurt. just be consistant and praise her for everything she does right. i just got a 8 week old miniature pinscher and in one week she is starting to understand potty training (as soon as i take her out she pees and poos) Its funny cause she'll look at me like "am i doing good" After every pee and every poop i give her a treat and tell her what a smart puppy she is. if she starts to pee in the house i pick her up fast and take her out. a lot of people say to wait to crate train until the puppies 16 weeks, but i think she is doing pretty good considering that puppies dont have complete control until 16 weeks!
I have also taught her to sit! she learned in one day! i was totally amazed.
USE TREATS AND LOVE AND THEY CAN DO IT!
Start training your dog as soon as you can. We started training our American Pitbull Terrier at 8 weeks. Now, at 6months I would say we have a pretty well mannered dog who sits, downs, waits/stays, walks on leash, heals and gives her paw. The best thing you can do for your dog is SOCIALIZE it. Many places offer puppy kindergarten (trust me it's worth it!)
Help! I just bought a 7 week old shiba inu and potty training is hard. After playing, eating, waking up and suspicious sniffing I take her outside. But a lot of the time she comes inside after handling business and has an accident on the carpet.
First of all, for those of you adopting/buying under 10 -12 weeks...Very, irresponsible breeders. If you are buying from a "store" - that's a huge NO NO - We should be boycotting 'stores' that sell live animals. Breeding should be left to responsible, knowledgeable professionals. Adopt, adopt, adopt... the shelters are full of lovely dogs that need your love. I have trained and bred dogs with my Uncle who was a professional dog breeder/trainer. Starting before 10-12 weeks may not be so good. The first training should be of the 'potty' variety. The rest can wait till 10-12 weeks. Of course, he/she needs to learn to walk on a lead - even if you have a yard, your dog should always learn to walk with you - you leading..Start with simple commands "sit" and "stay" you can give a small reward, be careful you don't want to over feed, you should make your puppy wait for your command when feeding - he should not rush the bowl, make him wait by standing in front of the bowl, do start this when he is young or you'll have a slobbering adult dog that cannot wait for it's food. Read Cesar Milan and the
Hi, we just bought this beautiful baby pit bull. He's only 1 month and a half. My question is I also have a beagle whose 1yr old. They seem to be getting along okay for now. Should I worry when my pit bull gets bigger? Another thing - when should I start training?
He does not want to eat, maybe once a day. What can I do or what can I give him? I heard I can give him cottage chesse? Is that good and if so how much should I feed him. We first fed him eukanuba now we are feeding him Purina Beneful for puppies. He eats but maybe just once a day. I see him thin. What can I do ?
I have a Chihuahua and she is almost a year old. Every time I take her pillow from her in her crate she goes and lays on her plastic pee pad device. I have no patience, I do yell at her a lot and I have to keep her in her kennel a lot of the time. She knows how to go outside and use the bathroom. Why does she do this?
Also, every time I go to pick her up she pees. She is constantly trying to get attention from me and I just don't want to deal with her because I am so frustrated. I can't seem to bond with her at all. Please help.
By Barbra
This is a difficult situation and will not improve if you continue to keep her in a kennel for long periods, yell at her as she does not understand, etc. She is clearly trying to bond with you in begging for your attention but is afraid of you as she pees when you pick her up.
You are the adult in this difficult situation; your puppy is only about 7 in human years so she is still very young and needs your help. Please immediately take her to your vet to rule out any possible medical problem and explain the problems you and your puppy are having. The vet is experienced in providing recommendations to help you help your dog.
Also, seriously consider a local training class for you and your pup-it is the fastest way to build trust and form a bond.
There are many sites online that can help you help your pup. However, please take your pup to your vet immediately to rule out a medical problem. Do not use online information just to save money. You can easily search online for help-try this very helpful site to start:
shibashake.com/
Peeing means she's afraid of you. Your frustration and anger is scaring her badly. The pillow is a security blanket. You take that away and what does she have? She runs to the pee pad because she is afraid you'll yell at her so she'll pee again. And she doesn't want to get in trouble again for peeing on the floor.
She is trying to get your attention because she is a puppy and she desperately needs to play and to bond. All you give her back is impatience. Please rehome your dog. You admit you don't have the patience to care for her. I agree with you.
Chihuahuas are tiny animals with small nervous systems. That "Chihuahua shake" is typical Chihuahua nerves. They simply can't handle anger and yelling. Nor does she deserve to be locked up in "puppy prison" because you dislike her company.
You have already missed her prime bonding time. This is going to cause her trouble later but it can't be helped. The quicker you can get her bonded to a very patient, very calm individual that has experience with small dog breeds, the better.
