And today we're going to discuss basic puppy obedience

and behavior training.

Obedience training is one of the best things you can do for

you and your puppy.

So this video will focus on the three basic commands--

sit, lie down, and stay.

A puppy can learn a great deal, even as early as seven

weeks of age, if learning is fun and presented

in the form of play.

To establish a positive report with your puppy and prevent

many future problems, start training a few days after your

puppy settles in.

A relationship based on friendship and trust will

ensure he tries hard to win you praise and approval.

Before giving a word command to your puppy, speak his name

to get his attention.

Then speak a one word command, such as stay,

sit, come, or heel.

Your puppy won't respond to commands until

he knows his name.

Don't get impatient.

The quickest way to teach your puppy's name is to award him

every time he looks at you.

Always train when your puppy is hungry, lonely, or bored.

When all his needs are met, he won't be as motivated

to do as you say.

For example, training right before meals will help him

associate his meal with a reward for the training and

also make him more interested in the treat you use in your

training session.

Also remember to use motivation, not negative

reinforcement.

Reinforce desired behaviors by offering toys, food, and

praise so the puppy wants to obey.

Different dogs value different rewards.

Some may think a tennis ball is the best thing in the

world, while another puppy may find a tennis ball meaningless

but would do nearly anything for the

chance to have a treat.

Never use physical punishment on a young puppy as you may

scar him both mentally and physically.

Also refrain from calling your dog to come to you for

punishment, because this will teach your dog

not to come on command.

Dogs can feel human emotions, so stay

relaxed, firm, and confident.

Be sure to keep any frustration out of the tone of

your voice.

And if you feel yourself becoming

frustrated, take a break.

Your dog can sense this and will start to associate

training with your unhappiness.

Most puppies, like young children, enjoy learning but

have short attention spans.

Training sessions should be frequent and short to prevent

your dog from becoming bored.

10 to 15 minute sessions two or three times a day is ideal.

The first command I'm going to show is sit.

Your puppy's on a leash, and you're sitting on the ground

with the leash under your legs so he can't take a field trip

away from you.

Hold your hand high over his head with the reward in it.

Your dog will look up at the reward.

Use your other hand to gently guide your dog

into a sitting position.

And say in a clear firm tone "sit" while still holding the

reward in the air above the dog's head.

When your dog sits, give him the treat and

verbally praise him.

The second command I like to teach is lie down.

Have your dog sit.

Let him know you have the treat, but

don't give it to him.

Slowly lower your hand with the treat to the floor to

bring your pup's nose close to the ground.

When he starts to follow it say "lie down".

Once he's fully on the floor, you can give him the treat.

Repeat saying lie down and rewarding correct behavior.

Now for stay.

Have your dog sit.

Let him know you have the treat but

don't give it to him.

Go in front of your puppy, raise your open hand, and say

"stay" firmly so your puppy can associate your open hand

with what he's learning.

Start to move away from your puppy while occasionally

repeating the stay command.

Start with only a few seconds of staying at a time and then

move to slightly longer amounts.

Always come back and reward your puppy if he follows

instructions.

The last thing I'd like to talk about is nutrition and

its implications on puppy training.

Good nutrition leads to a healthy dog with higher

quality of poop and more predictable and balanced

behavior so he's easier to train.

Make sure your puppy is getting the well-balanced diet

he needs for optimal development.

For more information on puppy nutrition, watch the video

"What is the best puppy food for your puppy."

I'm Kathy Santo for Iams with Howdini, and I hope that you

found this helpful as you welcome your new addition into

your family.

For more information on puppy care and training, visit

iams.com/puppy.