Quotes from Sarah Hodgson

bribes are a big no-no unless you want a puppy who listens only when you're waving a big piece of chicken in your hand.

No staring into your puppy's eyes, because dogs view prolonged glares as confrontational, not instructional. Instead, keep looking over their head.

Proactive training involves teaching your puppy what to do rather than waiting until your puppy is misbehaving to call attention to the wrong behavior.

During preadolescence, however, your puppy will be far more interested in how they fit into the fabric of your everyday life. If you don't tell them where to go and what to do, they will turn your life upside down by making their own set of rules — and that's a nightmare I wouldn't wish on anybody.

Say each cue word clearly, in a strong but nonthreatening voice.

Remember, puppies like kids need to learn how to share! If you can inspire their sharing the toy by offering a treat or baiting them with a new toy so they spit out the one they're holding, say Give as they spit it out.

For example, to prevent your puppy from barking every time someone comes to the door or walks by, have treats and toys at the ready and use them to distract your puppy.

Having objects scattered all over the floor can confuse your puppy, who may think that everything on the ground belongs in their mouth.

Many puppies learn the magic of holding still along the way. They often default to sitting still and just patiently waiting, watching you. Reward that action!

Avoid leaving your puppy alone outdoors for long periods. Unsupervised confinement often breeds boredom and territorial behavior. Put those two together and you're likely to end up with a barkaholic.

Don't rush this direction. Take your time and use encouragement to ensure that your puppy has a rock-solid Stay throughout their lives.

As your puppy approaches the lure, say Leave It to warn them off. When they back away, kneel to play, reward, or pet them lovingly.

If your puppy lunges for the treat anyway (and most will), snap your hand shut over the treat like a clam and wait until your puppy pauses from even a split second to toss the more savory treat at their feet, saying Find It!

After they understand that your approach isn't threatening, the next time your puppy grabs something you don't want them to have, find a treat cup, shake it, and call them over. Say "Give" as you offer a treat. Praise them when they release the object and help them find a chew toy. You can say "Where's your toy?" to encourage them.

Use a treat cup or clicker to help your puppy associate outsiders with a positive reward. If your puppy is relaxed enough to take a treat, ask the visitor to cast a handful of treats on the floor and play Find It.

A territorial puppy, no matter the breed, almost always turns into a dangerous dog.

teach them the 4-paw rule. Shake the cup and reward your puppy if they hold still; if they jump, lift the cup above your head and look up.

Running and shouting "No" to a puppy may make them stop at the moment, but you'd stop too if someone shouted at you. Your puppy doesn't understand; you'll only succeed in making them afraid of people.

Puppies love to play Chase, but you'll notice a theme in the games I describe in this chapter: Always encourage your puppy to chase you, not the other way around.

Help them adopt an alternative greeting style: They might grab a toy and dash around like mad or flip over on their back for a belly rub, also known as "belly up!

Help your puppy identify their belongings by keeping their toys and bones in one area. Identify each object as you play with it.

puppies repeat behavior that wins them attention — they don't care whether the interaction is negative or positive.

When you offer your puppy a treat, they will spit out the toy. As they do, say Give and either click-and-treat or simply treat as you praise them. Do not take the toy away from them. The goal is to teach your puppy that "Give" means "spit it out." This action highlights your good intentions to play and not steal.

If you notice your puppy chewing furniture or wires, use a distasteful bitter-apple spray to discourage their curiosity