Teaching your puppy basic commands (cues) isn’t optional. In order for your pup to become a well-mannered, acceptably behaved dog, he has to learn a handful of behaviors. Even if he learns nothing else, he has to learn to respond attentively to his name, to come reliably when called, to sit when asked, to lie down (and calm down!), and to walk nicely on a leash. This chapter will help you teach all of these things and more.

Name Recognition

Beyond socialization and housetraining, the most important thing to teach your dog is his name and to pay attention to his name when it’s spoken. Always say your puppy’s name in conjunction with something pleasant, like petting or treats. Never, ever scold your pup using his name. Scolding by calling the pup’s name or using the name along with a reprimand (like no!) will only result in the dog becoming wary of responding to his name, and can even cause him to ignore his name, which is the last thing you want. 

Start using your puppy’s name as soon as he’s in your care. Realize that he doesn’t know his name yet, so you can’t expect him to respond when you say it. You have to teach him his name, and the clicker is great for that. Here’s the protocol for teaching name recognition:

1. Start in a small room that has few distractions. This is going to be tough, because nearly every object and smell is interesting for a young puppy that’s just getting to know his world. Do the best you can.
2. Prime the clicker as discussed in Chapter 1 so that the pup is ready to understand that a click equals a treat and that it’s time to pay attention.
3. As the puppy explores the room, get his attention by making a sound, like patting your thigh, clapping softly, or clucking your tongue. Just as he’s turning his head, say his name excitedly and then click and treat him. If he comes to you, all the better.
4. Click and treat for any recognition of his name, even if it’s just a half-turn of the head.
5. Eventually, you will up the ante and will only click/treat for a full turn of the head when you say his name. Then, you will only click/treat for him turning his body toward you. Click and treat only on recognizing and responding to his name.
6. End the session on a good note, when the pup has responded to his name, and give him a handful of treats.

Most puppies will learn their names pretty easily. Avoid using nicknames until you’re sure that your pup knows his actual name. Remember to praise when he recognizes his name, and never use his name in conjunction with anything he might consider unpleasant.

Don’t overuse the puppy’s name. The idea is to get his attention every time you say his name. If you’re using it all the time in baby talk or repeating it like crazy to get his interest, he will learn to tune out his name and he won’t come to it every time you call him. When you’re talking about him to someone else, call him “the puppy” or “our dog.”