When To Start Training And Socializing Your Dalmatian Puppy
Socialization and training your Dalmatian puppy require to begin the very day of his arrival in your home. You should not address him without calling him by his name. A short, easy name is the easiest to teach since it catches the puppy’s awareness quickly, so avoid giving him complicated names. Always address the pup by the similar name, not a complete series of pet names since the latter will only perplex your puppy. Say his name plainly, and call him over to you when you see him awake and wandering about. When he comes, make a big excitement over him for being such a good dog. He will then immediately connect the sound of his name with coming to you and a pleasing experience.
It is not too soon to begin familiarizing him to the feel of a light collar, which can begin as early as several hours after his arrival. Chances are he may barely notice it or he may resist, roll over, and attempt to rub it off his neck with his paws. You can distract his attention when this happens by offering a delicious treat, a toy, or by petting him. Before long he will allow the strange feeling around his neck and will no longer be aware of it.
Next is the lead; fasten it and then instantly take the puppy outside or try to redirect his thought with things to see and sniff. He may resist against the lead at first, biting at it and trying to free himself. Do not pull him with it at this point; just hold the end loosely and try to chase him if he starts off in any direction. Usually his attention will rapidly turn to investigating his surroundings if he is outside or if is taken into an unknown room in your house; curiosity will take over and he will become interested in sniffing around the surroundings. Just pursue him with the lead loosely held until he seems to have totally forgotten about it; and then try to get him to follow you.
Do not be violent or jerk at him; just tug softly on the lead in short quick motions, repeating his name or trying to get him to follow your hand while holding a bite of food or a favorite toy. If you have an older lead-trained dog, then it must be easier to obtain your Dalmatian puppy to follow along after him. In any case, the normal puppy learns fairly quickly and will soon be walking along nicely on the lead.