Keep your puppy on a leash while they are testing those boundaries. Having a six-feet guarantee is the best policy to ensure you have optimal control of your puppy, and that they are appropriately responding to cues when they are out and about in the world. This will help to generalize and solidify all their newly learned behaviors.
TRAINING
STAY
Start by slowly increasing the duration of stay by marking and rewarding at random intervals. Release your puppy following their release-cue rules!
RELEASE
It is a cue to tell your pup: it’s time to get up, or the coast is clear to go.
Always stay still when you give your cue. Do not move away or your pup may follow you, and learn that when you leave it means “get up”! Give your cue once…then wait! The more they hear the same word the less it means. When your pup does release, have a party: pet, play and love them, throw a ball, or play some tug.
Real-life rewards should be a part of your pup's reward repertoire.
Keep up with socialization and socializing. Socialization is the process of learning where as socializing is the act of interacting. Both are very important to your pup! There’s still a whole wide world for your pup to explore.
- Kassie Dickson, CPDT-KA
For chews catered to your pup's growing age, have a look at Super PawBox for dog toys, treats, and more!
Walk through the next stage of puppyhood with What to Expect at 6 Months.