Puppy Class 101: Dalmatians

Hide-and-seek is another game that teaches come. Play this game outdoors in your yard or another confined safe area. When the pup is distracted, hide behind a tree. Peek out to see when he discovers you are gone and comes running back to find you (trust me, he will do that). As soon as your puppy gets close, come out, squat down with arms outstretched and call him "Puppy, come!" This is also an excellent bonding aid and teaches your puppy to depend on you.

"Where's your toy?" is a favorite of all sporting dogs, of which the Dal is definitely a relation. Start by placing one of his favorite toys in plain sight and ask your puppy "Where's your toy?" and let him take it. Then place your puppy safely outside the room and place the toy where only part of it shows. Bring him back and ask the same question. Praise highly when he finds it. Repeat several times. Finally, conceal the toy completely and let you puppy sniff it out. Trust his nose; he will find his toy.

Next step: Training Overview

Reprinted from Breeders Best: Dalmatian © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.

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