HOW DO I TRAIN AND HOUSEBREAK MY PUPPY?

           The purpose of this page is to help you teach your wolfdog puppy to become a well-mannered, obedient and enjoyable companion and family member. Remember - all dogs are trainable given sufficient time and encouragement. Firm and consistent training is necessary.

           Raise your wolfdog as you would your children - as part of the family. As you'd expect your children to be well-behaved, expect it also of your wolfdog. With this in mind, your wolfdog will understand from the beginning what is expected of him and what is not. The wolfdog has a higher intelligence level than that of the average dog. He is eager to learn and please. Obedience training should begin at an early age with the wolfdog becasuse their attention span starts at an earlier age than the average dog. As the wolfdog grows, it should be taken around other people and animals to ensure socialization. This includes attending an obedience class.

TRAINING

Leash & Collar Training

           Your puppy's leash is his most important piece of equipment. A puppy, properly leash-broken, looks forward to his daily walk with you and gets excited when you reach for his leash and collar. If your puppy is not leash-broken, it is a simple matter to get him used to his leash and collar. Put a loose collar on him for a few hours at a time; he may fuss some but he will gradually accept the collar. After he is used to his collar attach a leash to it and let him drag the leash around.. If he wanders into forbidden territory, pick him up, do not use the leash yet. After a few days begin to use the leash by gently pulling him in the direction you want to go. Praise him when he walks nicely along with you. He will think it's a game, and with a bit of patience on your part, he will be leash-broken easily.

NOTE: If you use a choke chain instead of a collar, never leave it on your puppy unless you are there to supervise.

Disciplining Your Puppy

           The way to have a well-mannered adult wolfdog is to give him firm basic training while he is still a puppy. When you say "NO" you must mean NO, not "maybe". Puppies understand what you mean more than what you say. The first time you see your puppy doing something he shouldn't (chewing on the furniture, wandering in a forbidden area, etc.) shout "NO!" Puppies do not like loud noises and your naughty pet will readily connect the word with something unpleasant. When he stops misbehaving, praise him for being a good puppy. A firm "no" in a disapproving tone is sufficient; if your puppy requires a firmer hand, grab him by the scruff of the neck and give a gentle shake and say "NO!". NEVER strike your wolfdog for ANY reason - it will cause him to cower and fear and therefore lose respect for you. Praise should always be lavished on puppies (older dogs, too) for good behavior (positive reinforcement). Never punish your puppy by chasing him around, punish him only when you have a firm hand on him. Above all, never punish your puppy after you have called him to you. He must learn to associate coming to you with something pleasant. Remember, your dog will respect you only if you are firm and consistent. He will not understand "No" for misbehaving today and "Praise" for the same behavior tomorrow. Always correct your puppy immediately; if possible, stop him in the act of misbehaving. If you wait to discipline your puppy, he will not understand how or why he has displeased you.

           It is also important to remember that if you play rough with your puppy, he will play rough with you and everyone else. He will assume this is acceptable behavior. If you do not let your puppy know that puppy teeth are sharp and can hurt as he affectionately mouths your hand, as an adult he will assume that biting is acceptable behavior so do not allow this.

Chewing

           Chewing is a natural tendency, but it must be properly channeled. Purchase or select certain objects just for his chewing pleasure. Make sure these items cannot be splintered or swallowed. Correct him when he chews on a forbidden object. You can look him in the eye and think to him "don't you even think it!" after saying the word "NO" and he will understand immediately that it is a NO-NO. Never leave the puppy unattended unless he is restricted to a damage-proof area.

HOUSEBREAKING

           The best way to housebreak any puppy is with a dog crate. Most wolfdog owners have used them and with success. Keep the crate in a semi-private spot in a "people" area. Well before bedtime, place the pup in the crate and offer a treat. Close and lock the gate. Immediately establish a routine, using the crate for nap times, overnight and whenever the puppy must be left alone (3-4 hours). The puppy will not mess where he sleeps; therefore, as soon as he is released from the crate, he will have to go immediately. Take the puppy directly from the crate to your chosen outside elimination spot, praise his performance, and go directly inside. The puppy will then be able to make the association. With this method there is no need for soiled newspapers to be all over the kitchen floor (which is unsightly and isn't teaching the puppy how to go outside)!

           Treat any resistance to crate confinement in a "no nonsense" manner. Usually the pup settles quietly in the crate after three to eight attempts at emotional responses. Do not praise the pup immediately after releasing it. This can reinforce the desirability of leaving the crate. Keep in mind, you are not being cruel - the pet crate is comfortable to your wolfdog because, like his ancestors, he instinctively seeks the safety and security of a "den". The fact that we may see the crate as a very limited space, or very confining, is only a human view. The dog finds a crate a secure haven, more secure than the confusing and sometimes frightening outside world.

Remember: a secure wolfdog is a happier wolfdog -- with a happier owner!

Literature

• Owner's Guide to Better Behavior in Dogs

                ~ by William E. Campbell (1994)

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• Crazy Dogs & Crazy Owners: Looking at Behavior in Our Society

                ~ by C.W. Meisterfeld, Ernest Pecci (1992)

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• Mother Knows Best -- The Natural Way to Train Your Dog (1985)



• Surviving Your Dog's Adolcents (1993)

                ~ by Carol Lee Benjamin

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• I Just Got a Puppy: What Do I Do?

                ~ by Mordecia Siegal/ Mattheu Margolis

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• How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With

                ~ by Rutherford & Neil (1992)

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• All the Loving Wolves: Living and Learning with Wolf Hybrids

                ~ by Michael Belshaw