"The idea of this 'early training' method
is to put a new puppy and yourself into a comfortable location
in the house (in my case this is the lounge chair in the living
room), then hold the young dog in your lap for a couple 10 to
15 minute 'mini-training' sessions each day," Rieser says.
"All the components in this training program are simple,
natural, non-violent, and long-lasting," Rieser emphasizes.
"None of these 'training tricks' are new," Rieser
says, "It's just that their application is a little different
because these early training' steps are more concentrated, formal,
and thought-out than other methods," Rieser assures puppy
owners.
"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."
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"I use this method until the pup gets too
big and heavy for me to comfortably hold him in my lap. That
exact time will vary from one dog and dog owner to another and
from one breed to another. In most cases, the grown puppy will
let you know when it has had enough lap
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 |
work and is ready for on-the-ground, in-the-field action.That
is unless you have a 10-year-old German shorthair pointer named
Sonny who still thinks he's a puppy and will sit in your lap
to watch television," Rieser adds.
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."
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