Basic Training for Pets, Hunting, Shows

Every dog must have some degree of training. Whatever your ultimate goal for your Brittany-house pet, field com­panion or show dog; or, as with many Brittany owners, all three--basic training is the same.

Give your pup a name and use it often so that he learns to respond to it. Call him by name to his meals. When he is playing in the yard call him to you occasionally. He will come more readily if you stoop low to the ground. Always give him a warm welcome and he will soon learn to come when called. Never call your dog to you for scolding or dis­ciplining. Always go to him under such circumstances.

When the pup finds something else too diverting to come to your call, attach a long, light rope to his collar. Let him drag this around the yard. If he ignores your call to come, pick up the end of the rope and pull him in steadily. Repeat this lesson at various times, never overlong, until he learns that he must obey.

Teach him the word "No" early by using it whenever you take something away from him that you don't want him to have or lead him away from some place you don't want him to be. You can teach him to "sit" on command by pressing down on his hindquarters with one hand, rewarding him with a tidbit with the other.

In all training be consistent. Don't permit your pup to lie on a chair one day and then scold him the next time you find him there. If you encourage him to jump up on you when you have on dungarees, don't blame him if he does the same when you are dressed to go to a party. When he jumps up take his feet in your hands, place them on the ground, repeating firmly "down," while you pet him approvingly. All training is basically showing approval and disapproval. A dog wants to please. Brittanys are usually sensitive and roughness in training often only defeats your purpose.

A kenneled pup may bark at night or other times. If he is in with another dog or pup, make sure the latter is not lying in the doorway and forcing the pup to stay out in the cold. If he is kenneled alone and you know he is fed and comfortable, go out and command him to be "quiet" at the same time giving him a dash of water from a water pistol or pail. The water cure is sure-fire but must be carried out consistently. Your dog will learn to stop merely on com­mand alone.