Puppy Training Sessions
Most puppies love to cuddle but this isn’t always the fastest way to a puppy’s heart… I’d say a lot more puppies will want to play with you more than just cuddle and puppies also love to learn and think and they’re little sponges at this age, so you got to engage them!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS STAGE!
Take some time out every day to have a short training session with your puppy. Prepare by getting out your treats, treat bag, a few toys and chews.
Bonding with you puppy! The best way to bond with your puppy is through training, games and getting down to their eye level and playing with them.
Throw a toy and see if you can get them bring it back to you for a treat, use their name!
Remember to keep puppy training session short. 10-15 mins at a time. Always end by asking them to perform a command or task that they know well so you can end with a big win and lots of praise.
Puppy Training Videos On YouTube
There are so many great puppy training videos you can watch for free on YouTube! Zak George, has a ton of helpful and positive puppy training videos! Check out the rest of his videos on his channel!
House Training Your New Puppy:
- Establish a routine and STICK WITH IT!!!!! Take your puppy out after eating and sleeping.
- Supervise your puppy! Until the puppy is completely trained keep an eye on him and if you can’t watch them for potty ques, then they need to be in an enclosure like an x-pen or better yet, a crate!
- Crate-training is essential!
- Designate a certain potty area and stick with it! Pick an area of your yard where you want them to go, preferably in a corner of the yard away from the door and where they will play the most, this not only makes your clean up area smaller than your whole yard, but it also helps it click for them. That they need to go potty in a very specific place.
- Correct accidents only when you catch them in the act. otherwise, the puppy will not understand why you are angry with him.
Boerboels thrive on positive reinforcement training. Although they are considered a dominant dog, they want nothing more than to please you (usually). Focus on rewarding good behavior. The key is to not overreact to unwanted behavior. Keep treats handy and be generous with them. Do not use large treats. We buy small ones and break them in half. A treat should not take very long to chew. Tasty treats (use cheap cut up hotdogs or anything safe that tastes really good) are great if you are having trouble with a particular aspect of training. We highly recommend taking your Boerboel puppy to basic obedience training. Not necessarily for the training aspect (if you have a Boerboel you should already know how to train basic obedience) but for the structured socializing and bonding. Boerboel puppies that go to basic training classes, tend to do better later on. Obviously socializing a Boerboel puppy is VERY important. Take it slow and always watch to make sure s/he is treated with respect during the process. This will ensure a positive experience for your Boerboel.
Take your puppy to the vet for monthly weigh-ins. Bring treats and make it a positive experience each time. This is great as it will get them acquainted with the vet, socialized with strangers and you will know how much they weigh, which will help guide you with feedings. You are your dogs advocate. Learn your dogs body language. Do not put them in situations that make them uncomfortable and/or fail. Make sure they are given proper respect when approached by strangers, as well as family members. Don’t be afraid to speak up on their behalf.
