Puppy Training - Teaching "OFF"

After many years of not having a puppy in our household we decided it was time to take the plunge once again.

Prada is a very cute, smart German Shepherd whose Daddy, Phoenix, lives with us as well. Prada is now 4 months old and is an absolute pleasure to be around. She has been the easiest puppy to live with and I'd like to share a little of our experience as she continues on her journey.

Puppies, as we all know, can be wild and out of control, but with a little structure, consistency and patience they can learn quickly and be a well mannered part of your family from the get go.

It seems that we are always telling the puppy what we 'don't' want them to do, stop biting, stop jumping, don't do this, don't do that. It's important to redirect all those 'don'ts' into something that we 'do' want them to do that is going to be constructive and a learning opportunity for them.

Let's start with correcting the biting and jumping behaviors since I use the same command for both of them. I like to use the 'OFF' command for telling the puppy that they can't put their mouth and/or their feet on something. If the puppy is biting your hands or something else they shouldn't be give a stern 'OFF' command. If they continue repeat the command. When they take their mouth off the object be sure to have a treat available to reward the behavior and use a key word such as 'GOOD' when giving the treat to let them know that is the correct thing to do.

I utilize the same technique if the puppy is jumping up on something/someone they shouldn't be. If they are jumping up on you simply back away and let the pup fall to the ground while giving the "OFF" command. When they are on the ground give them a treat with the "GOOD" word. They will soon start to associate that the word "GOOD" means a treat will be coming. As time goes on you will begin to wean out the treats and continue to use the word "GOOD" as the reward.