"Bonding with your puppy is vital"

Before you begin a dog training program, stop for a moment and consider how dogs learn?

They learn by doing things. Through trial and error they learn about life. As a puppy they come as a clean slate. None previously learned good or bad behaviors.

Your leadership and friendship are the two vital ingredients that will bring success in your puppys training. That and a clear idea of a training method.

The secret behind most of the methods used by the police and armed services to train dogs is a simple one. Regular reward, and then intermittent reward.

Its never too soon to start grooming. Your puppy is at its most receptive stage right now. Be sure that the first brush you buy is very gentle. Keep the sessions short, but regular. Talk to him as you brush. Make it enjoyable for him, and don't forget to reward him at the end of each session.

Dogs coats vary hugely in texture and length due to breeding methods developed over many years. Some coats require far more care than others. And grooming is not something that you can opt out of for two reasons. One physical and the other psychological.

Firstly: It keeps your dogs coat and skin in good condition. And it keeps you aware of any external parasites that have taken up residence on your puppy.

Secondly: Every time you groom your pup you are taking control of a situation. You are acting as a natural leader, and consequently relaying a clear message to him that can only benefit you both.