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The Puppy Guide >> Puppy Training >> Obedience Training >> Behaviours to Discourage
Behaviours to Discourage
Try to expose your puppy to as many new situations, sites, smells, sounds, people and other animals as possible when he is young. This will help him to learn not to be afraid of these things. Most of the aggression seen in dogs is as a result of them being unconfident or afraid of something.
There will be some behaviours that you will need to discourage your puppy from doing. You should never do this by screaming, shouting or hitting your dog. A firm 'no' and withdrawing your attention from the puppy for a few minutes should be sufficient.
Jumping up
This can be cute and fun when the dog is a puppy but when it is a fully grown adult it can at best be annoying and at worst send people toppling over.
When your puppy jumps up, turn your back on him and pay him no attention, other than saying a firm 'No'. Be consistent and make sure everyone in the household acts in the same way, or it will send confusing signals to the puppy. If the puppy greets you and does not jump up, praise and reward him for his good behaviour.
Play biting and mouthing
All puppies use play biting and mouthing when they are part of the litter. When they are transferred to be part of a human pack they need to be taught that this is now not acceptable.
When your puppy play bites or mouths, use a firm 'No', or a small yelp as if you were in pain, then withdraw your attention from the puppy for a few minutes. As with all aspects of obedience training always be consistent and make sure all family members follow the same rules.
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