Training
House Training
The key here is consistency. Take the pup outside, preferably to the same area each time, as soon as he wakes up, about ten minutes after each meal, about every hour when he's awake, and just before his nap or night bedtime. The puppy must empty their bladder and bowels before going to bed for the night. Always praise the puppy as they are going and move away from the area as soon as their finished. Very few dogs will soil their beds, so it is best to keep them confined at night and any time you cannot watch them. If you see the pup "hunting" (sniffing and circling) take them outside immediately. If you see them urinating or defecating in the house, say "NO, NO" and take them outside at once. Do not scold them unless you catch them in the act. Praising for "correct" behavior works much better than punishment for "incorrect" behavior. Be consistent, be patient, and you will succeed in training them in going outside and not inside.
Lead Training
The earlier you start the better. If your puppy has not had any lead training before you get them, wait a week or so until their settled in comfortably into their new home before you begin.
You will need a light weight "choke chain" collar and a lightweight lead or just a simple slip lead. The collar should be long enough to slip over their head with ease and have some room for growth but should not be more than six inches longer than the circumference of their neck. Put the collar on the puppy so that it goes over its neck from their left to right. Fasten the lead to the collar and let the puppy lead you around. If they don't move, move a bit and coax them to move after you. Do not ever pull on the lead and drag or choke the puppy.
This should be a happy experience for the puppy so give them lots of praise. As they become used to walking about with the collar and lead, begin to give little tugs and encourage them to follow you rather than you following them. Always keep them on your left side. Keep the lessons short. Several five to ten minutes sessions a day are better than one half hour session. Do not play with the puppy during their lesson but do praise them often when they follow you.
Socialization
Getting your puppy emersed in all types of environments is extremely important for the development of their social skills. This includes exposing your puppy to people, other animals, everyday noises in the home such as a vacuum, TV, blender, etc. cars (riding in the car, seeing cars, hearing cars) and also going to lots of places outside the home. Our bulldogs are known for their social, gentle, and happy temperaments.
