Puppies require a specialist diet to ensure they are getting all the essential nutrients they need. As well as calcium to keep bones and teeth strong, and protein to aid muscle development, puppies need lots of energy, as growing up is hard work. On top of all that, the food must be easily digestible for little tummies. It is therefore important to feed your puppy a food that has been specifically designed to meet their requirements. That's why Butcher's has teamed up with leading nutritionists to develop our Butcher's Puppy range; it contains all the goodness your puppy needs to grow up to be as 'fit as a Butcher's dog'. If you would like more information on puppy nutrition, speak to your puppy's vet, who will also advise you on the necessary vaccines your puppy will need.

To view the Butcher's Puppy range click here






Training your dog is vital. It helps to build a bond between you, ensures that your best friend is a safe member of the community and will allow him more freedom.






• All dogs need to understand basic commands - remember they don't know what the words 'sit' or 'down' mean, until we teach them.
• Dogs need to learn that training is fun - and this means that just like us, they need rewards for good behaviour.
• Find out what your dog likes best - small pieces of tasty food or a favourite toy are usually best.
• Use a special word that means, "That's right!" to your dog. "Yes!" "Good!" or "Bingo!" work well.
• As soon as your dog does the right thing, say your special word, then give the treat or toy.
• That way your dog won't just be working for the food or game.

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getting your dog's attention

• Say your dog's name in a cheerful tone of voice.
• As soon as he looks at you, say, "Good" and give a tasty reward.
• Repeat this several times.
• Soon, your dog will start to understand that when he hears his name, he should look at you because rewards are coming!
• Research has shown that diet can affect a dog's ability to concentrate and learn new tasks. It's important that the diet you choose should contain natural ingredients and be free from artificial additives.

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• Have a food treat in your hand.
• Hold it near your dog's nose.
• Lift your hand up and back, so he has to look right up to follow your fingers.
• As his head moves up, his rear end will automatically go down. (If your dog's front legs come up, your hand is too high.)
• As soon as your dog's bottom hits the ground, say "Good!" then give your dog the reward.
• Repeat this several times, saying "Sit," just before you move the food lure.
• Your dog will quickly learn to associate the word with the action of sitting.
• Now, ask your dog to sit, but without helping him with the food treat.
• If he does so, say "Good!" and give him a reward.
• Practice makes perfect!

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• Ask your dog to sit, then hold a piece of food close to his nose.
• Move your hand slowly, straight down, to rest between your dog's front paws.
• Turn your hand palm down, so the dog has to nuzzle underneath to find the treat.
• Eventually, the dog will lie down in his attempts to get the food.
• Say "Good!" straight away and release the food treat from your hand onto the floor for the dog to eat.
• Repeat this several times, saying "Down," just before your move your hand.
• After four or five successful repetitions, stand up straight, hold the food treat behind your back, and ask your dog to "Down".
• Most dogs will look a little confused, but be patient, at some point he is likely to try lying down to see if that gets the reward!
• As soon as he does, say "Good!" and give the treat.

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• Call your dog's name and the word "Come!" and show him you have food or a toy.
• As soon as he takes one step towards you, say "Good!" and give him the treat or have a game.
• Repeat this again, but now move backwards one or two paces and encourage him to come to you for praise, treats and play.
• Gradually lengthen the distance your dog has to come to you - and add distractions, by practising in the garden, and in the park when out on walks.
• Never scold or punish your dog - even if he takes ages to come to you!
• This will make him far less likely to come to you next time.

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• Start in a quiet place, such as in your house or garden.
• Have some tasty titbits in your pocket.
• Take one step.
• If your dog pulls ahead, immediately stand still.
• Encourage him back to your side with the food, say "Good" and reward him for being in the right place.
• Now take two steps.
• If the lead goes tight, stand still and then change direction, encouraging your dog to be next to you.
• Say "Good' and give rewards frequently when he's next to you and the lead is slack.
• Build this exercise until you can walk all round the house and garden without pulling, then practice outside.
• Many dogs pull on the lead because it's rewarding for them to do so!
• Choke/check chains and other punitive equipment can cause physical and mental damage to your dog.
• If your dog is a practiced puller, try using a headcollar or body harness to make walking easier, or ask your local trainer for help.

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Modern dog training should be fun, as well as kind, fair and effective. The days of shouting, smacking, choke chains and stress are long gone! Puppy classes usually take pups at 12 weeks old, so don't wait to get started! Contact the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to find your local member: www.apdt.co.uk

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