Tips for training my Min Pin puppy?

Question

I have a 3 1/2 month old, male Min Pin puppy that I've had for about 5 days now (my first pet dog). He's housebroken for the most part, the previous owner taught him to use wee-wee pads and I'm also trying to teach him to go outside. I've enrolled him (and myself) in a dog training class which we've been to once so far. I've been using the "clicker" method with him as that is what the trainer is using and I've heard good things about it.

But, he is stubborn. I've been doing a lot of reading which says always use positive reinforcement and no yelling, punishment, etc. The things I've read also say to be strict and firm with him so he doesn't only obey you half the time. Well, he does do what he's told about half the time, mostly when he knows I have a treat for him. How can I be firm and correct him when he does not follow a command. For example, he knows sit. When he knows I have a treat, he will sit on command. If I don't have a treat, he only sits when he wants to.

Answer 1

What you are dealing with is exactly why I do not train my dogs with treats. Dogs should be trained to obey you for praise. This reinforces you as the pack leader. Your dog must recognize you as the leader of the pack in order for you to train him. Bribing him with treats undermines this.

Training puppies takes patience and consistency. When your puppy disobeys you, as in refusing to sit, approach him, push his bottom down and tell him to sit again. You must consistently and firmly insist that he obey every single command you give him without exception, and you will be rewarded with the enjoyment that comes from owning a well-behaved dog.

I am a firm believer that yelling at dogs and "punishing" them is not only ineffective, it's abusive, and people who treat animals this way are stupid. He is a dog, after all, and he is still learning what is expected out of him.

Congratulations on taking him to obedience training. Every dog and owner should go through these classes because you'll learn as much as he does. I have not used the clicker method, so I can't comment on it except to say that I have always trained my dogs, German Shepherds and my Poodles, Bichon and Yorkie, to work and obey for my praise, and it's extremely effective.

I can tell you're a smart and conscientious dog owner. Be patient, because once he is trained you can relax and enjoy him for the rest of his life.

Answer 2

First I never train with treats just a good pat and love for this reason.
If you tell him set count to 3 if he hasn't set then put him into the sit like you were shown.

Answer 3

just b patient with him and make sure you're consistent
praise him when he does sit and sometimes give him a treat
eventually he will learn that doing as he is told is good
just keep it up and by a year old he should b fully trained =]
stick to the dog classes though they always help =]