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Having many friends with dogs, I can't begin to count the times I've heard, "This darn dog just won't listen".
Odds have it, the dog is most likely listening, but not enough time was spent in the first year teaching the dog. Spending extra time with your dog in the first 12 months is vital as these are the months where lessons are mostly learned. Kennel clubs and breeders are two reliable sources for obtaining a well mannered dog. Somewhere between 8 and 10 weeks after the pup's born is the time the breeder will part with the little bundle of joy. This is the time to start the training. One common mistake by new dog owners is that they rush things. Start slowly, training takes time. Crate training is preferred by most professional dog trainers. Make this "his" place. A place he can retreat to. A place he is comfortable with. Do not make the crate a place of punishment as this will only confuse the dog. It is also a great method for house breaking. Another mistake is forcing the dog to do something that it doesn't want to do or something the dog is unsure of. Rather, talk the dog through the situation and praise it when it accomplishes the task that was set before it. For example, if you have a dog with retrieving instincts, don't assume that the dog will like the water. Throwing a stick in the water and barking out the command to get it might just result in a disaster. If this happens, try walking in the water yourself. Show the dog it is alright to get wet. Coach it the come in with you and praise it when it does. Take the dog for many walks in these learning months. Always lead the dog with it walking at your heels. This shows the dog that you are in charge and it must follow you. Play a simple game of fetch with the dog. Dogs love games and will always be looking for the chance to play them because it will have your attention. Make sure you stop before the dog gets tired of playing the game. This will leave it wanting more. Over exposing the dog allows it to become disinterested. Of all the commands you teach the dog, the most important is "Come". This should be taught early as well. In the first couple of months the puppy will come to you as they see you as most important. During this period it is still a game to them. A long leash and a firm tug when saying the command is a good alternative for a stubborn dog. Remember to always praise your dog for a "completed task", even if it meant a small tug. The most important thing is spending a lot of quality time with the dog. Make sure before you buy a dog that you will be able to dedicate the time and energy needed. If all seems to be going wrong in the training of the dog, don't hesitate to bring it to a professional. Don't let the bad behavior linger on. In these early months bad behavior can lead to many years of "darn dog. Why don't you listen?"
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Russell, Michael. "Dog Training - Starting Early Pays Huge Dividends"." Dog-training-guideto.com Sat 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT. Wednesday, January 07, 2009 http://dog-training-guideto.com/a/335273/Dog+Training+-+Starting+Early+Pays+Huge+Dividends.html
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Russell, Michael. (Sat 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT). Dog Training - Starting Early Pays Huge Dividends. Dog-training-guideto.com Retrieved Wednesday, January 07, 2009, from http://dog-training-guideto.com/a/335273/Dog+Training+-+Starting+Early+Pays+Huge+Dividends.html
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Russell, Michael. 2007 Dog Training - Starting Early Pays Huge Dividends. Dog-training-guideto.com (Sat 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT), http://dog-training-guideto.com/a/335273/Dog+Training+-+Starting+Early+Pays+Huge+Dividends.html (accessed Wednesday, January 07, 2009)
