First I would like to discuss how we start the training process here before your puppy leaves our home. As mentioned in previous pages we are a group of close friends and family that own a hand full dogs each and breed for Giant Schnauzers, Cockapoos, and Cocker Spaniels. We do this so all our dogs can live in our homes as family pets and so we only have one or two litters at a time each, so we have the time to work with each puppy individually. We all pre-train our puppies in the techniques mentioned below. We do not have a strict routine when it comes to this training but instead use each technique when the opportunity presents itself and we always make sure every puppy has had adiquate individual stimulation and socializing. 

Super Dog Military Training: This is a nervous system stimulation technique that helps the nervous system and overall development mature more rapidly. It also makes for healthier happier less stressed puppies with stronger immune systems. We take the puppy even before the eyes are open and put it in many different positions and apply pressure to certain areas of the body to stimulate the nervous system.

Rule of sevens: We stimulate each sense in at least 7 different ways. For instance we put a small mat in the puppies' area that has different texture to stimulate the sense of touch. Such as a mat with a shiny flooring on it, carpet, fake grass, wood floorng, textured flooring, a box of sand, and a cinderblock. We only use one stimulation at a time and leave it in for several hours so the puppies have plenty of time to get used to the new material before we switch to a different one. We also do the same thing with taste, site, sound, and smell...

 A puppy that has had this pre training is less likely to get spooked or be nervous in new situations. We also socialize each puppy with people of different ages and backgrounds so each puppy is happy to be showered with attention no matter who is giving it. They are also less likely to snap at a toddler for pulling his/her ear or pee on them self when you bend down to pick him/her up.

Example of positive training: We do start some crate training before your puppy leaves our home but what to do if your puppy cries when you crate it for the night... It is best to think proactively so make sure your puppy has already went potty and so would not be crying to go outside...  You should have a toy or something for your puppy to do in the crate if he is not tired such as a Kong toy stuffed with tasty peanut butter... This is a diversion and gives the puppy something to do other than just sit there and be thinking of how alone he is.... After you have tucked him in for the night If he starts to cry: THIS IS VERY IMORTANT: DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! Let the puppy learn to comfort himself and do not give any attention at all good or bad...  After a few nights the puppy will realize bed time is bedtime and crying does not give him what he wants. Even when it is time for puppy to come out of his crate do not open the door until he is quite and calm!

Only give a puppy affection and rewards if they are totally calm and submissive to you and everyone else around you. Do not give a puppy a treat if it is grabbing it or going crazy trying to get it from you. If a dog does this say  a no word that is not no, like "NUAAA" or "AHAH" and take the treat away and then give it again slower until the puppy gently takes it from your hand. Never say "NO" because this word is used so much in everyday speech and you do not want to confuse your dog. Choose a no word that is not no and stick to that word every time you mean "stop behaviour." You will learn this and much more in your first puppy 1 class and You can also see about getting your pup into puppy 2 classes, basic dog training classes, and can even get your dog his CGS, (CANINE GOOD CITIZENSHIP). If you are wanting a certified therapy dog or medical service dog you can look into those programs in your local area as well.

We have 3 Giant Schnauzers that have been through all their puppy classes and basic classes and are currecntly working towards their CGS. They are doing wonderful and our well loved medical service dogs in training. They have always finished first in their classes and we are very proud of them... All our adults are well trained family pets and we hope you also choose ongoing training for your puppy.

There are many different methods to train your puppy once he/she is in your home. I recommend the clicker training method. Read below for more info. You can train your dog to just be a loving loyal family pet or you can have ongoing training and train them to become a therapy service dog or a medical service dog or can even choose to get your dog into agility and obedience trials. Whatever you choose for your pup's future training I know you will be thrilled with the success of your puppy and we are proud to have a part in the foundation work of that success... You are more than welcome to call me anytime for advice. Kristina

CICKER TRAINING:

Whatever breed of dog you have, clicker dog training is one of the most effective and impressive methods for controlling and dictating a dog’s behaviour when trying to teach them basic commands. It takes very little time to initiate clicker training and with a well operated clicker, you can teach your puppy the behaviors that will make your pet a welcome member of the family.

The Method behind Clicker Training

The reasoning behind clicker training is that you’re teaching your puppy to associate the sound of the clicker – a strong, sharp sound that they can hear from 20+ yards away – with a specific command you give. The goal of the training is to mark specific desirable behaviour and then reward it with the sound of the clicker. Of course clicker dog training does not start with a clicker. You must first teach your dog that the clicker is a reward for good behavior. This can be done with a bag of treats and a simple, two dollar clicker from your local pet store. It is important that you use a clicker in this instance for a number of reasons. To start with, a dog will never hear that clicker for any reason other than to tell them they did a good job and that a treat is on the way. A word or verbal command might be given in different situations and the relationship in their head is not quite as strong because of it.

Three Basic Steps Teaching Clicker Behaviors

When you start training your dog to respond to a clicker, there are three very basic steps. First, you will get the behavior – convincing your dog to do something that you want. It may be sitting, speaking, rolling over, or whatever other tricks you’re trying to teach. Once you’ve gotten them to perform their behavior, mark it with the clicker and a reward. It usually only takes two or three markings before a dog learns what the behavior they did was and starts repeating it whenever you click use the clicker. Clicker dog training works well because they will immediately respond, allowing you to reward them and immediately instill it in their minds. A verbal command will take time to get through. Once the dog has done the behavior and received their reward, continue doing it to reinforce the behavior as much as possible. You do not have to use treats every time. Praise and petting work just as well and can eventually replace the behavior.

Transitioning to a Spoken Command

Once the dog has learned the behavior well, clicker dog training will have you transition to a spoken command that can be used anywhere, even when you don’t have a clicker. Whenever you are about to use the clicker, say the command and then click, followed by the reward. The dog will quickly learn to associate all three. Eventually, with good clicker dog training, a dog will respond to a verbal cue and praise for their action and then they will simply learn it. The need for treats or praise will be gone and the dog will simply know that the action pleases you.  As you might imagine, clicker dog training has a number of applications. It can make training your puppy so much easier in many ways. With a simple, sharp command, you can mark and reinforce nearly any behavior. Just remember to be patient and in time you wll have the well trained family pet you have always wanted. Watch the video below before starting clicker training: