 |
|
 Home |
| |
|
 Subscribers |
| |
|
 Labrador News |
| |
|
 Downloads |
| |
|
 Lab Community |
| |
|
|
Labrador Chat Rooms
0 Members connected
3 Chat Rooms
0 members chatting
Chat Now
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by
labadmin
on Tuesday, August 23 @ 11:09:37 BST
Teaching The 'Bed' Command
SmudgesMum writes: " Training your puppy to get into bed on command is more than just a convenience - it can keep him safe too. For example, if a glass breaks in the kitchen, giving your puppy the "bed" command can keep him away from the broken glass until it has been cleaned up.
If guests stop by unexpectedly, or your puppy comes into the house with muddy paws, or maybe you need your puppy out of the way for a minute, the "bed" command can be very useful.
It's also an easy command to teach and, if you practice a few times every day, you'll have a puppy who, in no time at all, runs into his bed happily.
Pre-training tips
=============
Before you begin, check to see that his bed doesn't slip or rattle against a hard floor. Both things can spook a puppy and make him nervous about approaching his bed. If necessary, put an old towel underneath the bed (between the bed and your floor) to keep it quiet and in one place.
Decide on a command that will be used consistently, such as "bed" or "kennel."
Start training
==========
You're now ready to start training. Don't forget to have a few treats on hand to reward your puppy. The treats make the training fun for your puppy and help him to understand what behavior you expect from him.
Get your puppy's attention and show him the treat you are holding. Approach the bed and toss the treat in. If your puppy leaps in after it, great! If your puppy doesn't rush into the bed right away be patient. Encourage him and reward him for whatever he is willing to do. After a few times of being rewarded for putting his head into the opening of the bed, your puppy should be more than happy to put one foot in, then two, and then you're on your way.
Once you know your puppy will get into bed on his own, give the command as you toss the treat in. Be sure to continue to show your puppy the treat and get his attention before you move toward the bed. As your puppy becomes more familiar with this command, showing him the treat prior to giving the command will become unnecessary - hearing the command will be enough.
Cut down on the treats
===================
Over time use less and less treats. The aim of the treat in training is first to communicate to your puppy the behavior you expect, and then to reward your puppy when he obeys your commands. However, if you use a treat all the time, your puppy may fail to obey unless he gets a treat.
After a few days of practice, and when your puppy is comfortable with the command, randomly pretend to toss a treat into his bed when giving him the command. Your puppy should get into the habit of getting into bed, and he should be praised enthusiastically - but no treat this time. Sometimes toss a treat in, other times pretend to.
Eventually, most puppies will try standing at the door of their bed looking in, but not going in. If you wait a few seconds, most puppies will go into the bed on their own. Reward them when they do. Do not - repeat - do not toss a treat into the back of the bed when your puppy pauses like that. If you do, you've just rewarded that pause with a treat. Instead, simply move away and try again or gently guide your puppy into his bed, then reward him with lots of praise.
By using these simple steps you can train your canine companion to get into his bed on command eagerly and that is not only impressive, it can be very helpful as well.
Taken from Pedigree Puppy Post, Issue 41.
"
|
|
| |
Average Score: 2.75
Votes: 4
|
|
|
|
| | The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
No Comments Allowed for Anonymous, please register |
|
Re: Teaching The 'Bed' Command (Score: 1)
by Asdralridge on Tuesday, October 04 @ 09:53:35 BST
(User Info | Send a Message) | Have done this from the start- especially helpful after a really muddy run requiring a hose down. The beds are 'close' to the radiators in our extended kitchen to help drying off when its cold. I have a few dog wary friends and sending the dogs to bed'calms' them down a bit allowing both my dogs and my visitors to settle. My older dog now has an oldfashioned basket my younger dog has a crate, but I rarely have to use the door- both will wait to be asked to come out. My older dog is more responsible for the training of my younger dog as the crate was originally his and she just followed. and like most women- took over-(Sorry)
I tell all my friends with new dogs about this and I have heard them pass it on too. I saw my Mum start it when our yellow lab used to jump up- the hairs on my school uniform when we got home from school!! Then we used to 'release' him when he had calmed down- it is a very useful tip |
|
|
|
| |
Create an account : Log In
