Educ

Whether it's an adult dog or a puppy recently separated from its mother, certain rules must be followed from the start. Dogs are part of our daily lives and bring undeniable joy. But they can also be a real source of problems. That's why adopting a dog is not a decision to be taken lightly. Proper training prevents many unpleasant situations.

The basic rules to follow

First, upon arrival, you must let him get to know his new home. He will discover the family members and the environment in which he will now live. Generally, one or two days are needed for this adjustment. He will quickly choose the places where he feels most comfortable. However, you mustn't let him do whatever he wants under the pretext that he is young or, if he is older, that he needs to find his bearings. Indeed, dogs very quickly learn to distinguish between what is allowed and what is not. For example, if you tolerate him settling on the sofa or in the bed at first, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get him off once the little ball of fluff has transformed into a large dog weighing 60 kilos. Don't think it's any different with a small Yorkshire Terrier or a Dachshund. Despite their size, they can cause considerable damage in a very short time.

That's why it's important to show the dog who's in charge of the house by forbidding him from getting on the beds and giving him his own toys. You also need to choose where he eats and forbid him from begging for food. Furthermore, he should eat after his owners, as in a pack where the leader eats first, and have his own place to sleep (a mat or a kennel), always located away from doors and windows, so he doesn't feel like he's controlling who comes and goes in the house.

These few simple rules help restore the dog to its rightful place within the pack. It must understand that it is the subordinate and that you are the dominant one. It is within the stability of the pack hierarchy that the dog will find its balance.

This rule applies to all dogs, regardless of size. It prevents a Dachshund from becoming the family tyrant, baring its teeth when anyone approaches its sofa or nipping at the calves of visitors. The key is to maintain consistent behavior. Don't suddenly allow something that is usually forbidden. Be firm, but don't go overboard! This is how the bond of trust that develops over time between a dog and its owner will be preserved.

To establish his authority, the owner must begin training his puppy from the age of 3 months. Simple commands using simple words should be chosen at first.

Two methods are generally recommended:

- either we let the puppy take the initiative: for example, as soon as it sits, we give the command "sit" and praise it. The same goes for "down" or "stand". The dog will gradually associate the command with the action and the owner's satisfaction;

- Either the owner guides the dog into the position while giving the command. For "sit," simply place one hand under the puppy's head while the other presses on its rump. Naturally, this combination of forces will compel the dog to sit. For "down," continue the movement by pulling the two front paws forward. Repeated sessions of a few minutes each day generally yield good results. Similarly, reward the dog as soon as it obeys.

The "stay still" command is more difficult to achieve. It requires greater attention.Therefore, you must wait until the puppy is older to ask this command. Initially, you give the command "sit" and place an object (for example, its collar) on the puppy's head or nose. You give the command "stay," and as soon as the puppy lowers its nose and knocks the object over, you express your displeasure. However, if it stays still for a few seconds, you should, of course, praise it. Gradually, you will require longer periods of stillness. Eventually, you will ask the dog to stay when you walk away and to come back to you on command.