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| "Each of these steps should be begun
only after the pup has eaten, been run and played with for several
minutes, and allowed to defecate and urinate. This cuts down
on the over-exuberance factor and increases the pups willingness
to cooperate in and even enjoy, the training he is receiving,"
Rieser says. "Lap Training" As A Way To Establish Your Dominance and Begin Basic Obedience "While in the lounge chair with the pup in your lap, take your young dog, turn him on his back, and hold him in that position by gently grasping the skin on his throat," Rieser advises. "At first any puppy will resist the pressure, squirm around a lot, maybe whine a little, and certainly struggle to get free. But, don't worry about this resistance to your assertion of your dominance because the pup's mother has already used this method to control all her rambunctious offspring in the litter," Rieser contends. "You're just taking up where mom left off." The Sigh of Submission "Within a minute or so your pup will recognize your authority and you will hear, see, and feel a 'sigh of submission.' This is a sign that you've begun to establish yourself as the 'Alpha' force and the dominant figure in this relationship. All this represents the initial step in a life-long training program," Rieser believes. "At this point, just keeping the pup in your lap may seem like a major accomplishment, but you're creating an influence with major benefits as this early-stage training progresses." "Once dominance and authority are established, the puppy owner can move on to the next step of obedience training, something that can be expected on an elementary level even with a young dog seven weeks of age. While the pup is in your lap, you can begin to teach 'sit,' 'whoa,' and 'down' by using your hands to enforce these verbal commands," Rieser advises. "Don't expect immediate, complete, or consistent results, but do anticipate some major response within a few sessions and with some repeated effort." Pattern of Response "Remember this is a puppy, and you won't get the same intensity of attention or memory span as with an older dog. But you will establish a 'pattern of response' that should expand along with the puppy's growing mental faculties which you will be using and developing to their full potential," Rieser adds. "I know this sounds like a heavy load for a dog owner and a very young dog, but it isn't because all this takes place in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for the pup and the trainer." Friendly Hands "At this time also use the opportunity to accustom your pup to your hands as the instrument of force and pleasure which will be both familiar and respected. Don't allow your pup to jump into your face or bite your fingers even in play sessions. When he tries to bite, use your hands to hold his upper lip between his teeth and he will soon 'teach' himself that biting is uncomfortable and unnecessary," Rieser suggests. "I use these early training sessions to get a pup 'used to' my hands by putting my fingers over his muzzle and eyes and in his ears and mouth. I also put my hands on the pup's feet and toes lightly rubbing and squeezing them so he becomes familiar and comfortable |
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