- Tips for New Puppies
- Commands and Gestures
- One Room At A Time
- Trained to Paper
- Bonding
- The Tools of Training
- Three "Don'ts"
- Introducing Your Puppy to Children
Dalmatians are very intelligent and learn quickly. They also never forget.
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HomeTips for New Puppies
If you purchase a 10-week-old (or older) puppy from a responsible breeder, the breeder will have started to train your puppy and should show you what the puppy knows and understands.
Top Info HomeSame Commands And Gestures
It is important to use the same gestures and commands so that the puppy won’t be confused. Blueroof puppies know the commands to sit, down, no, dinner and treats.
Top Info HomeOne Room At A Time
When your puppy arrives home, introduce him to one room at a time so that he knows where his paper, water and food are located. It can be very confusing for him otherwise.
Top Info HomeTrained To Paper
He should have been trained to paper or cedar shavings. Keep the paper near the door. Sometimes it is necessary to put the paper outside when you want him to start going there because the puppy thinks that he must relieve himself on paper only.
Top Info HomeBonding
Before training a Dalmatian, you must first be bonded to him, whether this takes a few days or several weeks. Once bonded, your Dalmatian will love and trust you and will want to please you more than anything.
Top Info HomeThe Tools of Training
Dalmatians respond to smiles and the tone of your voice which is the tool for training them. Let him hear your strength. Let him feel your strength by holding your hands on either side of his head or throat. Never strike a dog with your hands or feet. When he does what you ask, reward him with praise, a hug and/or a treat. You must let him know that you are the master and that you are stronger even if you’re not. For those who are unaccustomed to training a dog, obedience school is a good idea.
Top Info HomeThree Don’ts
Don’t Pet Your Dog When He Jumps Up
If you do, he may knock over and/or frighten a small child or frail adult and he may get mud on your good clothes. Pet him when he sits or stands and ask family and friends to do the same. If he jumps up, say firmly "No, down!" If he does not get down, then bring your knee up quickly into his chest which will knock him off balance. Once down, tell him to "Stay down" and, when he does, reward him.
Don't Feed Your Dog At The Table
Tell him to go and lie down in his favourite spot while you eat, even if you have to tie him there in the beginning. Make him return to that spot several times, giving the command "Stay" each time and he will get the idea. If he approaches you at the table or tries to make eye contact, say "No begging" very firmly. A well-mannered dog can even go out to dinner with you.
Don't Allow Your Puppy To Play With Your Hands Or Fingers Or Toes With Its Teeth
If your puppy uses its teeth, stop playing with him immediately and say "No biting" very firmly. If he continues, squeeze his nose using one hand on top and the other on the bottom, repeating the command. Again, encourage everyone around him to do the same thing. If the pup is allowed to play with his teeth, he may do so with a child who might get scared and tell his parents that he’s been bitten. Also, a crying child might scare your puppy and turn him against children if he’s not familiar with them.
Top Info HomeIntroducing Your Puppy To Children
The "101 Dalmatians" movies are widespread and popular with children, resulting in kids that run up to Dalmatians yelling "Pongo! Pongo!" It’s best to be prepared for this beforehand.
Ask the child to sit down and let the puppy come to them (good advice for anyone meeting older dogs for the first time, too!). Explain to the child that the puppy has never met a child before and you need his help by not moving quickly or making a noise until the puppy is used to him. Ask the child not to pick up the puppy but to let it sit next to him on the floor or lawn or sofa. You do not want a child walking around holding a puppy is case it is dropped, resulting in physical or psychological injury. If you have small children, it’s wise to get a puppy too big for them to carry around.
This is particularly important during what is sometimes called the "fear period," around 8 to 10 weeks of age. Many responsible breeders will not part with their puppies until after this stage.
Dalmatians are generally too rambunctious for small children and many will not accept teasing or unfair treatment. They will nip if provoked. They are great companions for active, older children.
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