Dalmatian training tips
Introduction
The secret to training is to start early, according to the experts most training should be introduced before the age of 20 weeks. Every training book i've read says you should start training and socialisation as early as possible. Basically, you have to try and get your Dalmatian to experience as many different scenarios as possible.  This means taking them in the car, meeting new people, meeting new dogs, walking on the lead, taking them to the vets and so on.
Also, the Mother of your pup will have started basic training. The Mother tends to set the basic boundaries for play fighting. If a pup ever goes too far she will pin them down and growl. Also, their brothers and sisters will yelp if a pup bites too hard.
These methods of training should be carried on for Dalmatian pups who like biting (which they all do!).
For more in-depth training methods, I would suggest looking at my Amazon Dalmatian shop I have hand selected useful books specific in training Dalmatians.
Basic tips
- All dogs learn tricks in the present tense. You have to reward or discipline your Dalmatian immediately. You have 3-5 seconds to reward or discipline your pup after the good deed or bad!
- Dalmatians are quite intelligent and will know by your body language and the sound of your voice if you are pleased or not.
- A simple firm 'No' is good enough for disciplining your Dalmatian, followed by ignoring them for 5 minutes or so. They soon pick this up and want to get into your good books again!
- When teaching your pup different commands, keep lessons about 5 - 10 minutes long.
- When you start training always reward your Dalmatian every time it does something correct, you don't always have to reward with a treat, praise works just as well.
House training your Dalmatian
- First, you should learn to recognise the signs of when your pup needs to go! They usually sniff the floor and circle a couple of times.
- Before they make a mess on your new rug! Take them outside. As soon as they're done reward them.
- Never wait until your Dalmatian is back inside again to reward. Always do it during the deed.
- Remember, pups are like children they can't hold it in forever! Make sure you offer plenty of opportunities to go outside.
Dalmatians around children tips
- All dogs see children as equals, young children should never discipline a Dalmatian or any dog.
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- Children should learn to respect the Dalmatians privacy, if the pup is tired they should leave it to sleep without disturbing it.
- Your Dalmatian should always have a place to retreat to if it gets fed up. Preferably their bed. Children should be taught not to go near your Dalmatians bed.
- Children should always avoid playing games that put the pup in a dominant role.
- Young children should never bother the Dalmatian when it's eating.
Biting Dalmatian tips
- Never smack your Dalmatian, they don't respond well to physical punishment. Instead, try ignoring your pup if it bites too hard. This signals ends of play.
- Don't snatch your hand away when bitten by a pup if you can help it, they react to movement and think it's a game. If it really hurt make a noise and then ignore them for a while.
- If none of these methods start to work then the last resort is to pin the pup down for a few seconds disabling them like the mother would. They really hate this and may sulk afterwards.
Tips for the 'recall' command
- When your Dalmatian is playing off the lead, call them back to you if they come back straight away you should reward them with a treat.
- You should always recall them 2 or 3 times before putting them back on the lead. Otherwise, they work out that you only ever recall them when playtime is over.
- If your Dalmatian is really ignoring your recall command, try walking or running in the other direction or just sit down. Chances are they'll wonder what you're doing and come running back.
- Never, ever punish your Dalmatian when it has responded to the recall, even if they've been ignoring your recall for 10minutes! You should reward them every time they come to you.
- Never let your Dalmatian off the lead if it isn't safe to do so.
Tips for the 'sit' command
- This command really is easy to teach, when Coco had her 11 pups I taught all 11 to sit and give their paw before they were 7weeks old. Even the deaf one!!
- First, get a treat hold it between your thumb and index finger with your palm facing upwards. Call your Dalmatian let them have a look at it but don't give them the treat.
- Don't say anything, stay still and eventually your Dalmatian will sit. As soon as this happens reward them.
- Repeat this a couple of times, then add the word 'sit'.
Tips for the 'paw' command
- Most dogs will do this naturally, but if not try this...
- Put your Dalmatian in the 'sit' position, grab his paw and say 'paw'. Repeat this until they do it without help.
- Always say 'paw' each time you grab their paw.
Tips for the 'stay' command
- You can only really do this when they've mastered the 'sit' command. Teaching the 'stay' command requires patience!
- First, put them in the 'sit' position then hold your palm in front of their face and say 'stay'. Wait a few seconds then reward.
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- Repeat, then take a step back. If your Dalmatian stays still then reward them.
- GRADUALLY lengthen the distance, if your Dalmatian follows you or moves never praise them, put them back in the 'sit' position and try again.
- Always go back to your Dalmatian to reward them when teaching the 'stay' command.
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