Graeme Hall - Perfectly Imperfect Puppy: The ultimate life-changing programme for training a well-behaved, happy dog

Im using a treat between my finger and thumb to trace an arc above our puppys nose and lure him into a SIT. This is the finishing point. Note Im not saying SIT yet.Ive introduced the SIT command here, but only once Im sure hes understood the game. First things first, Im giving our puppy a good smell of the treat. But if he wants it, hell have to earn it!Im bringing my hand down to the floor here, and I keep hold of the treat until our puppys legs are flat on the floor.If youve got a puppy whose bum stays up in the air, use your leg as a bridge and entice them to limbo under it. Note Im not pushing down on his back.As an alternative to my leg, Ive found a chair with a bar thats just the right height and Im drawing him under and forward. Hes a clever boy! Our puppy is thinking, All Ive got to do is SIT here and hell come back to me with that treat.

Puppy: Mate, you can turn your back if you like but Im staying put until I get that treat.

Me: Youre not daft!

Ill sit calmly as long as you like but if you call me, Ill be there like a shot. Yaaaay!Baby steps. The message is simple: Step with me, get a treat. How easy is that?

Puppy: Get you with your J-shaped lead!

Me: I have done this before, you know.

Dont talk to the hands because the face IS listening. Clever boy! (The dog, not me.)Theres a treat in each hand, we both know that. But staring at my hands wont get you the goods.The jobs a goodun! As he makes eye contact, I give him the treat. Once hes understood the rules of the game, Im introducing WATCH ME as a command. ROLL OVER: Using a treat, Im going to lure our puppy into rolling over by taking the treat around to one side and down.No need to lure him all the way. Hes got the idea from both the ROLL OVER command and my body language. (If Im not careful, Ill fall over!)PAW: Im offering this little lad a hand. He taps my hand with his paw and Ill give him his toy. Done deal! When hes not looking, I leave a nice surprise (treats) in his bed.Whats not to love? Go to bed, get treats! When I know hes got the idea, Im introducing the GO TO BED command.What a happy chappy!

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First published by Ebury Spotlight in 2022

Copyright Graeme Hall 2022

The information in this book has been compiled as general guidance on dog training. It is not a substitute and not to be relied on for professional advice. So far as the author is aware the information given is correct and up to date as of 22/11/2021. The author and publishers disclaim, as far as the law allows, any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use, or misuse, of the information contained in this book.

The moral right of the author has been asserted

Text Design by Emily Voller
Cover design by Arneaux
Illustrations Hannah Fleetwood
All photography Cristian Barnett

ISBN: 978-1-529-19207-0

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the authors and publishers rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

To Mollie Hall, aka Mum. In gratitude for your patience and perseverance when I was a mischievous puppy.

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