All dog breeds have distinct personalities but breeds often have behavioral commonalities. Papillons are lovely, loyal dogs as a rule. Fortunately, dog obedience training is not a problem as they are comparatively easy to train. This petite dog breed, originally from France hundreds of years ago, is known for its distinct butterfly ears and large, expressive eyes. With a life expectancy of fourteen to sixteen years, these dogs have long lives with ample time to learn, mature and become wonderful companions.
The first step to getting a healthy, obedient dog is buying from a reputable, ethical breeder. Honest, reputable breeders will be able to inform you of the dog’s health and genealogical history up until you bring your pet home. In addition, healthy puppies will be raised with enough fresh air, space to roam and healthy food that will establish a well-balanced temperament. Breeders of ill-repute often short the dogs on food, space or attention which can lead to negative behaviors like anxiety, aggression or mistrust of humans.
One of the important first steps in dog obedience training for your Papillon is to teach it respect. Your pet should not be afraid of you but they should listen to you when you speak or command them. You are the leader of the pack in your home and your pet should recognize that so that it does not become aggressive. Due to their size, Papillons should not be handled roughly or aggressively. Establishing fear in your pet is detrimental to their behavior.
Dogs have an inherent desire to please their owners. Building trust and respect is the first step and additional training will then be much easier.
Another important dog obedience lesson to teach your Papillon is to walk on a leash. Papillons, though small, are hearty dogs. You will not hurt them if you get a leash appropriate to their size, and such that you can fit two fingers between their neck and their collar. If there is enough give, they will be able to walk comfortably on the leash. Once you put a leash on your pet, let them wander around your home at first to get use to the sensation. If your dog gets comfortable enough to walk around dragging the leash behind them, praise them, this is a great first step. If not, offer them treats to take steps. You can do similar steps once you are holding the leash, with enough slack so you are not pulling them around.
If you would rather have the guidance of a professional for dog obedience training of your pet, consult with your local humane society, breeder or veterinarian about a reputable trainer. A sound trainer will never use violence, aggressive language or behavior to train a pet. While you look for a trainer, there are steps you can use at home to train your pet.
Before you attending a training class or even purchase your new companion, there are countless dog training books available both online and at your local library. There are also ample dog training videos available online for training advice, including:
– Use positive reinforcements: dogs respond to praise better than scolding
– Balance training with regular affection, exercise and attention to keep a pet interested
– When negative behavior happens, respond immediately with verbal reprimands and reward positive behavior with food and praise
– No training program should use abuse or force so keep that in mind when selecting a course and proceeding with training
Taking on the task of training your Papillon in dog obedience can seem challenging at first, but think of it as an opportunity to bond with your pet. You will be teaching your dog valued abilities to help keep them involved and safe in times of danger. Furthermore, your dog will not see the activity as a chore but as time spent with you, praising it when it does good things.
