This is a directional command, just like any other. Eventually you will be able to use it to curb your dog from chasing small animals or from approaching food or strangers. But first you must teach him what you mean.
- Place your puppy on a leash.
- With your puppy stationed in the next room, prepare a plate of crackers and place it on the floor.
- Go get your puppy and take him toward the setup.
- When your puppy starts to sniff and approach the food, pull back sharply on his leash and command "Ep, Ep."
- Say "Ep, ep" as you tug back on the leash.
- Release the pressure immediately and continue walking. If he lunges again, repeat the correction but continue walking.
- Praise your puppy when he refocuses his attention on you.
- Walk by as often as necessary until he avoids the setup altogether.
Don’t forget to praise him when he does! Practice this set up several times in different areas of the house before using outside and in everyday situations.
Excerpted from You & Your Puppy: Training and Health Care for Puppy’s First Year, by James DeBitetto, DVM, and Sarah Hodgson, published y Wiley Publishing Inc., Hoboken, N.J. Copyright 1995. Reprinted by permission.
