| How to Keep a Cavity from Getting Worse Posted: 28 Jul 2016 05:00 PM PDT Cavities, small holes in your teeth that can enlarge over time, occur when the protective enamel of your teeth is eaten away by acids and bacteria. When the enamel is removed, the cavity continues eating away at your tooth in a process known as "tooth decay." If left untreated, this decay will reach the inner pulp of nerves and blood vessels. The only way to completely remove a cavity is by having your dentist fill it.[1] There are several steps you can take, however, to prevent the cavity from getting worse until you can get an appointment with your dentist. EditPreventing an Existing Cavity From Getting Worse - Brush the area carefully. Ideally, brushing your teeth will help prevent cavities altogether. However, brushing is also important to prevent cavities from getting worse. Buildup of food stimulates the growth of bacteria. This will get into the cavity and make it worse. Focus on the cavity while brushing to clean away excess food and slow the cavity's progression.[2]
- Use a soft-bristled brush and don't press too hard as you move it. Move the toothbrush back and forth in gentle motions for at least 2 minutes total.[3]
- Brush your teeth twice a day and after eating. It's particularly important that you keep your mouth clean when you have a cavity, since plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating.[4]
- Look out for symptoms of a cavity. Tooth decay happens gradually, and sometimes, cavities can exist and progress without showing many symptoms.[5] This is one reason why it's important to get regular dentist checkups. There are a number of signs that either a cavity is forming or has already taken hold of your tooth. If you experience the following symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. While you wait for your appointment, take steps to prevent the cavity from getting worse.[6][7]
- A white spot on your tooth. This can be an early sign of tooth decay or of fluorosis. It represents a spot where acids have eaten away the minerals in your tooth enamel. The decay is still reversible at this point, so take action if you notice this in your mouth.
- Tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity commonly occurs after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks.[8] Sensitivity is not always a sign of decay, and many people have sensitive teeth normally. But if you've never had sensitive teeth before and suddenly start feeling sensitivity to certain foods or drinks, this could be a cause for concern.[9]
- Pain when you bite down.
- Toothache. When your cavity has progressed so far that it's affecting the nerve of your tooth, you may experience persistent pain in the affected tooth. This may or may not get worse when eating and drinking. Pain may also be spontaneous.
- A visible hole in your tooth. This indicates that your cavity is far advanced and has significantly eroded your tooth.
- Cavities can exist and enlarge over time with no symptoms.
- Use a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is bacteriostatic, which means that it keeps bacteria from multiplying in your mouth. It also strengthens your teeth by re-mineralizing enamel, which makes your teeth more resistant to cavities. If you've caught a cavity early enough, a good fluoride treatment may even reverse the decay. You can purchase fluoride-enriched products over-the-counter, but for stronger products you must get a prescription from your dentist. The best option is a professional fluoride application from the dentist, but there are several products you can use while you wait for that.[10][11]
- Fluoride toothpastes. Most of the toothpastes available over-the-counter have around 1000 ppm to 1500 ppm of sodium fluoride. Dentists can also prescribe fluoride-enriched toothpaste that contains roughly 5000 ppm of sodium fluoride.
- Fluoride mouth rinses. Fluoride mouth rinses can be used daily. These mouthwashes generally contain 225 to 1000 ppm of sodium fluoride. Look for a mouth rinse with an ADA seal of approval to indicate that the rinse has been evaluated by the American Dental Association.
- Fluoride gel. Fluoride gel is thick and will remain on your teeth for a longer period of time. You squirt the gel into trays that you then fit over your teeth.
- Drink water. A dry mouth can speed up tooth decay by allowing the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria. Keep your mouth moist to slow the cavity's progression and rinse away food particles that could make decay worse.[12]
- If your mouth stays dry regardless of how much water you drink, this could be a symptom of a larger medical condition, or caused by prescription medication. Talk with your doctor if dry mouth remains a problem for you.
- Chew sugar free gum with xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally-occurring alcohol that is extracted from plants. It has anti-bacterial properties and is used to prevent infections. Gum that contains 1-20 grams of xylitol helps kill bacteria that causes cavities and makes them worse. If you suspect you have a cavity, try chewing xylitol gum to slow its growth until you see the dentist.[13]
- Look for chewing gum with the ADA seal. This ensures that you won't accidentally be doing your teeth more harm than good.
- Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which can help wash away food particles and keep tooth enamel strong.[14]
- Try a salt water rinse. Salt water has antiseptic qualities, and dentists often recommend it when treating wounds or infections in the mouth. Salt water can also kill the bacteria that causes cavities, slowing their growth until you can get to the dentist.[15][16]
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
- Swish a mouthful of this water around your mouth for 1 minute. Concentrate on the affected tooth.
- Repeat this treatment 3 times daily.
- Brush your teeth with licorice root. Although it hasn't been studied extensively, there is evidence that licorice root can help prevent and slow the growth of cavities. It may kill cavity-causing bacteria and can cut down on inflammation.[17][18] Try using licorice root for a home remedy to slow cavity growth while you wait for an appointment at the dentist.
- Some toothpastes made by Tom's of Maine contain licorice root.[19] Alternatively, you could buy some licorice root powder at the store and mix it with your toothpaste.
- Make sure to look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which does not contain glycyrrhiza, a compound that can cause unpleasant and often serious side effects.[20]
- Always consult with your doctor before you use licorice root. It can interact with certain medications, including ACE inhibitors, insulin, MAO inhibitors, and oral contraceptives. It can also cause health problems for people with certain medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure or heart disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers.[21]
- Avoid refined sugar. Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that thrive in acidic environments. These bacteria use sugar found in dental plaque as fuel. This is why sugary foods and beverages should be minimized. If possible, brush your teeth after eating.[22][23]
- Foods high in starch, like potatoes, bread, and pasta, also provide a welcoming environment for acid-producing bacteria. Keep your simple and refined carbohydrate intake low, and brush your teeth after eating.[24]
EditVisiting the Dentist to Treat a Cavity - Discuss treatment options with your dentist. Depending on your cavity's progression, your dentist may recommend different types of treatment. If you have any questions about treatment procedures, ask your dentist.
- Get a professional fluoride treatment. If your cavity is just beginning and is still very small, your dentist may be able suggest no invasive treatment and to treat it with a heavy application of fluoride. This is usually painted onto the tooth and left to sit for a few minutes. It will help restore the enamel in the affected area and, if done early enough, will remineralize the tooth.[25]
- While this treatment usually only takes a few minutes, you won't be able to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes afterward to allow the fluoride to properly sink in.
- Have your cavity filled if your dentist recommends it. Most often cavities aren't caught early enough for fluoride to be effective. The cavity will then require a filling. During this process, the dentist will drill out the affected portion of your tooth. S/he will then fill the hole with some sort of material.[26]
- Commonly, your dentist will use porcelain or a composite resin to fill a cavity, especially for front teeth. These are top choices because they can be shaded to match your tooth's natural appearance.[27]
- Dentists may fill cavities in back teeth with silver alloy or gold, as these tend to be stronger. Plaque also usually builds up more extensively on the back teeth.[28]
- Talk to your dentist about a root canal if your cavity has progressed into the pulp of your tooth. S/he will remove the infected pulp of your tooth, use an antiseptic to remove bacteria, and then fill it with a sealing material. This is usually a last effort to save the tooth before extraction.[29]
- In most cases, you will need a crown (a "cap" for your tooth) when you require a root canal.[30]
- Ask your dentist about tooth extraction if the damage from a cavity is so severe that the tooth can't be salvaged. In this case, the dentist will extract the affected tooth. After this, you can have the tooth replaced with some form of dental implant, both for cosmetic purposes and to prevent your other teeth from shifting position.[31]
EditPreventing Cavities - Brush your teeth twice a day. Keep your teeth clean and healthy by brushing them twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush, and replace it every 3-4 months. To ensure that you're brushing your teeth effectively, use the following instructions from the American Dental Association.[32]
- Angle the toothbrush 45 degrees to the gumline. Plaque tends to build up on the gumline.
- Gently move the brush back and forth using small strokes. The strokes should only be about the width of one tooth.
- Brush both the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.
- Continue brushing for about two minutes.
- Finish by brushing your tongue. If you miss your tongue, you'll leave behind a lot of bacteria that will recontaminate your mouth as soon as you stop brushing.
- Repeat this at least twice a day.
- Floss your teeth daily. Along with brushing, flossing is crucial for maintaining a healthy mouth. You should try to floss at least once a day, though twice would be ideal. Follow these simple steps to make sure you're flossing your teeth properly.
- Take about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, the rest around your other middle finger.
- Grasp the string tightly between your thumb and forefinger. Use a rubbing motion to guide it between teeth.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, form a "C" shape to follow the shape of the tooth.
- Hold the strand firmly against the tooth, and move it gently up and down.
- Repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth.
- Use fresh sections of floss as you go.
- If your teeth are packed very tightly, look for a waxed or "easy glide" floss. You may also find the small pre-threaded flossers more helpful. The most important thing is to floss faithfully.[33]
- Rinse with an American Dental Association-approved mouthwash. Some mouth rinses only mask bad breath without killing the bacteria and removing the plaque that causes bad breath and cavities. When buying a mouthwash, look for the ADA seal of acceptance, indicating that the ADA has examined this product and approved its plaque-fighting ability.[34] Click here for a complete list of ADA-approved mouthwashes.
- Make sure you purchase a mouthwash that can help reduce plaque, fight gingivitis and cavities, and reduce bad breath.[35]
- There are plenty of low-alcohol or no-alcohol mouthwashes that can still be good for your oral health. If you can't handle the "burn" from traditional mouthwashes, look for one of these.
- Maintain a tooth-healthy diet. What you eat has a big effect on your oral health. Some foods are beneficial for your teeth, while others should be kept to a minimum or avoid altogether.[36][37]
 - Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber helps push plaque off of your teeth. It also stimulates production of saliva, which helps clean harmful acids and enzymes off your teeth. For fiber, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain products.
- Eat dairy products. Milk, cheese, and plain yogurt also stimulate production of saliva. They also contain calcium, which strengthens your tooth enamel.
- Drink tea. Nutrients in green and black tea help break down plaque and slow the growth of bacteria. Brewing your tea with water containing fluoride will give you a double dose of nutrients for your teeth.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar increases the growth of plaque and bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Keep candy and soft drinks to a minimum. If you do eat sugary foods, do so with a meal and drink plenty of water. This way, your mouth will produce more saliva which will help wash away the sugar and reduce acid and bacterial growth.
- Brush your teeth after eating starchy foods. Foods like potatoes and corn get stuck in between teeth more readily, leading to tooth decay. Be sure to clean your teeth after eating these foods to avoid cavities.
- Avoid acidic beverages. Drinks such as soft drinks, alcohol, and even fruit juice are acidic, and can promote bacteria growth that causes tooth decay.[38][39][40] Consume these in moderation, or not at all.
- The biggest culprits are sports drinks like Gatorade, energy drinks like Red Bull, and sodas such as Coke. Carbonation may promote tooth wear.[41][42]
- Drink plenty of water. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking an acidic beverage.
- Remember that even 100% pure fruit juice contains sugar. Dilute 100% pure fruit juice with equal parts water, especially for kids. Limit your consumption and rinse your mouth with water after drinking fruit juice.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Usually dentists like to see their patients every 6 months. Stick to this schedule to ensure your mouth stays healthy. During your visit, the dentist will give your teeth a thorough cleaning, eliminating any plaque that has built up over the last few months. S/he will also check for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or any other issues you may have with your oral health.[43]
- Your dentist can also help you catch cavities while they are very small. If your dentist catches a cavity early enough, s/he can treat it without invasive procedures.
- For example, lifestyle changes, proper mouth hygiene, and fluoride treatments may be enough to treat very small cavities. They can stimulate "remineralization," a natural regeneration process.[44]
- A typical tooth cleaning appointment at the dentist's office generally involves scaling, polishing, and fluoride varnish.
- If you think you have a cavity, you should go see a dentist. While keeping the cavity from getting worse is a good idea, the only way to really treat the cavity is to have it removed by your dentist.
- You may not know that you have cavities because they don't always exhibit symptoms. Make sure to go to your dentist for a regular checkup.
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| How to Overcome Feelings of Guilt Posted: 28 Jul 2016 09:00 AM PDT Guilt can be a depressing feeling that prevents you from moving forward with your life. It may be difficult to understand how you can stop the negative feelings and deal with your past actions. However, this article will guide you through the process and help you move towards a positive future. EditUnderstanding Guilt - Understand the purpose of guilt. Most of the time, we feel guilty because we have done or said something that caused harm to someone else. This type of guilt helps you to understand when you may be at fault for something, which is healthy and normal.[1]
- For example, if you forget a friend's birthday, you might feel guilty because friends are expected to remember and celebrate their friends' birthdays. This is healthy guilt because it alerts you to something you failed to do that may damage your relationship with this person.
- Recognize unproductive guilt. Sometimes we may feel guilty when we don't need to feel guilty. This type of guilt is known as unhealthy or unproductive guilt because it is not serving a purpose. It just makes us feel bad. [2]
- For example, if you feel guilty because you had to work on your friend's birthday and could not attend her party, this would be an example of unhealthy guilt. If you are scheduled to work and cannot take time off for a birthday party, this is beyond your control. Your friend should understand that you had to miss her party in order to keep your job.
- Identify what you feel guilty about. If you feel guilty about something, it is important to identify what you feel guilty about and why. Identifying the source of your guilt and why it makes you feel guilty can help you to determine if you are experiencing healthy or unhealthy guilt. Either way, you will need to work through these feelings in order to overcome them.[3]
- Write about your feelings. Journaling about your guilt may help you to start to understand it and deal it. Start by writing down the reason that you feel guilty. If it was something you did or said to someone, describe what happened in as much detail as you can. Include in your description how this situation made you feel and why. What do you think that you should feel guilty about?[4]
- For example, you might write about the reasons why you forgot your friend's birthday. What was going on that distracted you? How did your friend react? How did that make you feel?
- Apologize if necessary. Once you have determined whether or not your guilt is healthy or unhealthy, you can determine if you need to apologize for your actions. In the case of forgetting about your friend's birthday, you should apologize because you failed to do something that friends are supposed to do.[5]
- Make sure that your apology is sincere and that you don't make excuses for your actions. It is important to take full responsibility for your actions in order to show your friend that you really do feel bad. Say something simple like, "I am really sorry for _____."
- Reflect on the situation to prevent a similar one. After you have considered your guilt, identified its source, and apologized if necessary, you should take some time to reflect on your actions in order to prevent a similar situation in the future. Reflecting when you have done something wrong can help you to grow from an experience rather than keep on making the same mistakes.[6]
- For example, after reflecting on the experience of forgetting your friend's birthday, you might decide that in the future you need to be more careful about remembering important dates and take steps to prevent a similar situation in the future.
EditMoving Past Guilt - Change guilt into gratitude. Feeling guilty may cause you to think guilty thoughts, which are unproductive and do not provide you with anything that you can apply to your future behavior. Instead, try turning your guilty thoughts into gratitude thoughts.[7]
- For example, if you forgot your friend's birthday, you might think to yourself, "I should have remembered that yesterday was her birthday!" This thought does not allow you to improve on your situation, it just makes you feel worse for forgetting your friend's birthday.
- Change guilt statements to positive ones, such as "I am grateful for the reminder that my friends are important to me and the chance to demonstrate that to them in the future."
- Forgive yourself. Forgiving yourself, just like you would forgive a friend, is an important part of learning how to deal with guilt. If you are dealing with guilt that stems from things that you have asked others to forgive you for or things that are beyond your control, you need to learn how to forgive yourself. One way that you can begin to move past your guilt is to forgive yourself whenever you make a mistake, just like you would forgive a dear friend.
- The next time you feel guilty about something, take a deep breath and stop beating yourself up. Instead, say something like, "I made a mistake, but that does not make me a bad person."[8]
- Take a lesson from the fictional character Scarlett O'Hara. Consider the quote, "After all . . . tomorrow is another day." Realize each day is a new beginning filled with promise, hope and the opportunity to start over. Understand that while your actions may have been wrong, they do not dictate your future. Although they may have consequences, they do not have complete control of the rest of your life.
- Do a good deed. Reaching out to others often helps the person who offers help as much as the person who receives it. Although you must understand that good deeds will not reverse your actions, they will help you move forward into a positive future. . Some studies have even shown that helping others has a wide range of benefits for your mental and physical health.[9]
- Check with local hospitals, charities, and other organizations about volunteer opportunities. Even volunteering for a few hours per week may help you to overcome your guilt.
- Incorporate a spiritual practice into your life. Some faiths offer ways to atone for sinning, which may help you to deal with feelings of guilt. Consider attending a service at a religious house of your choice or develop your own spiritual practice. The benefits of spirituality are beyond relieving feelings of guilt. Research has shown that spirituality and prayer may even help to relieve stress and decrease healing times during an illness.[10]
- Consider going to a place of worship to pray with other people.
- Get into meditation or yoga.
- Spend time in nature and admire the beauty of the natural world
- Consider seeking help from a therapist if you can't move past your guilt on your own. For some people, guilt can interfere with daily life and happiness. Without help, it may be hard to understand your guilt and determine the best way to deal with those feelings. A licensed mental health professional can help you to understand these feelings and help you work through them.
- Keep in mind that feeling excessively guilty may be part of an underlying mental health condition that requires treatment. Talking to a therapist can help you understand what is going on and decide on the best course of action.
- If you prefer to keep your situation a secret but need comfort, tell a trusted person about it, such as a family member or close friend.
- Guilt and obsessive thinking could be caused by depression or other psychological conditions. Seek medical attention if needed.
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| How to Train Your Rottweiler Puppy with Simple Commands Posted: 28 Jul 2016 01:00 AM PDT Rottweilers are naturally loyal dogs and aim to please their owners. This loyalty, combined with their intelligence, makes them highly trainable.[1] A well trained dog is a happy dog as he knows his position in his human family. Investing a little time each day to training your Rottweiler puppy will help him adjust well to the family and make him a great canine citizen for years to come. EditUnderstanding How Training Works - Start early and short. Puppies can be taught simple commands starting at seven to eight weeks of age. The key to training is to make each session fun and short. A minute or two for each month of age up to 6 months is a good ballpark figure. Trying to do more than that will not benefit you or the dog because his attention span can't handle it.[2]
- Reward your pet. Reward based training is one of the most positive and effective way to train your Rottweiler puppy. Positive reinforcement, such as a small piece of a tasty treat or lavish praise, should be given immediately when the puppy obeys the command. Keep a bag of small, tasty treats handy, such as tiny cubes of cheese or very small pieces of cooked chicken, to immediately reward your pup for any steps towards learning the new command or cue.
- Once the puppy is consistently obeying your command, the treats can be given intermittently then gradually phased out, replaced with consistent praise.
- If you fail to reward immediately, the puppy will become confused as to what you expect from her or him.[3]
- Learn the right kinds of commands. The commands used need to be short, one or at the most two words. Keep your voice friendly. Always praise your puppy for any attempt in the right direction, and absolutely never yell or hit your puppy. Your pup is obeying you because he wants to please you at this point, so remind him that he is pleasing you with his obedience.
- Be consistent. Each of these principles can be used for all the commands you use for training. The key to the reward system is to reward immediately, be consistent, and use simple command words. The best time to conduct a training session is when the puppy is relaxed and alert. Never train when the puppy is sleepy, wound up, or not feeling well. You want his mind completely on the training session and his attention on you.
- Train for the right amount of time. When you start training your dog, perform the commands for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. During this time period, spread out which commands you teach. Try five to 15 repetitions of one command, then move on to another one and do five to 15 repetitions of it. Once the time is over, reward your pet and love on him. You can do this up to three times a day with different commands.
- You should also start with shorter time periods he has to stay in each command as well. When you are first teaching him to sit, for example, try to make him sit for three seconds before rewarding him. As he learns, move the time up, increasing until he can stay for 30 seconds or longer.[4]
EditTeaching the Commands - Teach 'No bite'. The first training sessions should be to teach the puppy not to bite. You should have plenty of toys for your Rottweiler puppy on hand at all times. Puppies go through a teething stage and will bite your fingers or hand during play. If he does nip, say "No bite." Play act that the puppy has hurt you, with mock yelping or squealing. After that, get up and leave. This gives the dog the message that biting ends the game. Avoid tapping a puppy on the nose as this will over excite him and make him more likely to bite.
- Command 'No chew'. Chewing is a natural behavior for a puppy, but it can be destructive on a household. Diversion from an item you don't want chewed to another you would rather the puppy chew on works well. For example, if you find your puppy chewing on a book, take the book away, put it out reach, and give them a toy to chew on. As remove the book, say "no chew." Your puppy will eventually understand what he can and cannot chew.[5]
- Tell him to be 'Quiet'. You may want your puppy to bark when visitors or un-welcomed guests come to your home. However, your puppy should learn the command "Quiet" for those times when barking is a nuisance. Keep your bag of small treats with you at all times and when the puppy begins to bark, say "Quiet." When the puppy hushes immediately, give him the reward so he associates the word "Quiet" with stopping barking.
- This may take some time, but he will eventually understand that you expect him to hush when you say quiet. Consistency and patience is the key in making this work for the both of you.[6]
- Teach 'No' or 'Stop'. It is important for your dog to learn the meaning of 'no' or 'stop'. You can use either one, but the use of it must be consistent. Rottweiler puppies are very playful and love mouth items. If your puppy nibbles on you or things other than toys or picks up items he shouldn't, it is very, very important for him to learn 'no!' or 'stop'.
- When teaching this to your puppy, always be firm and consistent. Once you have voiced the command, immediately move your dog away from whatever it is doing and once again say 'stop'. Walk away from your puppy, but don't take your eye off of him. If he goes back, repeat this process. This will be frustrating but you must do it. Otherwise, your puppy will grow up not knowing right from wrong. [7]
- Command 'Sit'. After learning the "no" or "stop" command, you will want to teach your Rottweiler how to 'Sit'. Sitting makes grooming, feeding, playing, and relaxing much easier. It is also one of the easiest things to teach. Put a treat in your hand, letting the puppy see the treat. Have your puppy stand in front of you and firmly say 'sit'. Hold the treat on a level with the puppy's nose, then gently arc the treat backwards over his head. As he follows the treat with his nose to try and get it, his bottom will sink to the ground. Immediately say "Sit" to label the behavior he has just learned, and give the treat. It is good practice to have your puppy sit before placing his food down for him to eat. This teaches him 'table' manners.
- While he is sitting, shower him with praise, such as "good puppy" or "smart puppy", while saying the word 'sit' a few times. Repeat this process by moving away from your puppy, turning to face him, making sure you have his full attention, and tell him to 'sit'. Praise him as you did before.
- Work on the sit command for five to seven days until he is sitting promptly and consistently without the treat reward.[8]
- Tell him to get 'Down'. Once he has learned to sit, you can teach him the 'Down' command. Put the puppy in the sit position while putting a treat in your hand. Make sure he knows you have the treat in your hand, and put your hand near his nose. While moving your hand to the floor say 'down' or 'lay down'. The puppy will follow your hand to the floor by starting to lay down. As soon as he does, give the treat and praise him. He may make partial attempts at first, but he'll get it.
- Practice this new command for up to a week until he has thoroughly learned it.
- The 'Down' command can he useful if your puppy is a jumper. Jumping on people can be a problem with puppies as they try to get your attention. If your puppy is a jumper, keep a leash on him to be able to correct him with 'down' as he starts to jump. Then give him the command to 'sit'. Reward him when he promptly responds with a tasty treat. He will soon learn that jumping is not an acceptable behavior.[9]
- Teach 'Stay'. Rottweilers will always want to be in your company. He will always want to be next to you, around you, or even on you. But he will eventually get in your way. Teaching your Rottweiler puppy to 'stay' keeps him from getting in the way of you, other people, and other dogs. Tell your dog to 'sit' first, as it is much easier to have him sit and allow him to 'stay'. Once he sits, praise him and put your hand in front of his face, wide open like a stop sign. Firmly say 'stay', then back away slowly.
- He will most likely run up it to you, but have him sit again. Then put your hand in front of him once again, say 'stay', back away while all the while repeating 'stay'. If he runs up to you, you will have to do it again. Once he stays, don't let him come to you. Instead, go to him, praise him, and give him a treat.
- Repeat this process while going farther away from him than you did the previous time until your puppy is consistently staying.[10]
- Tell him to 'Come'. A very important command to learn is 'come.' If your puppy is ever running toward danger or in danger while away from you, a puppy that has a solid understanding of the 'come' command can be quickly recalled to your side. While your puppy is away from you, crouch down, slap your thighs and say 'come' in a friendly voice. No doubt your puppy will run to you eager to play with you. Reward him with a little treat and a bit of play.
- Work on this command at various times for a few weeks. If your puppy is far away from you, slap your thighs and say 'come' in an appealing, happy voice. Once he comes to you, praise him and repeat the word 'come' a few times. Then, throw a treat and or a toy far away from you and watch him run after it. Once he gets there, tell your dog to 'come' again. He might not do it at first, but you'll have to repeat it.
- If necessary, always have a treat or a toy that he loves more than the one you threw. Wave it to him once he looks up and say 'come!'. Once he comes over, praise and repeat. A little work and effort on your part will help your puppy retain this very important command.[11]
- Command 'Paw'. Teaching your dog to 'paw' is also an easy and useful command. If you plan on clipping or filing your Rottweiler's nails, this is necessary. Have your puppy sit, then say 'paw' and reach down, take his paw in your hand and then praise and pet him. Repeat this process four times and then ask your dog to 'paw' without you lifting his paw. If he is able to do it, praise him and give him a treat.
- Paw is just as easy as 'sit' and it should not take long to learn.[12]
- Always keep a bag of treats in your pocket or within easy access during the first three to four months when you will be training your puppy basic commands.
- Only work on training for a few minutes at a time, two or three times a day, during the first 10 weeks of your puppy's life. Young dogs have short attention spans and you want to keep the sessions short in order not to frustrate your puppy.
- Once your Rottweiler puppy has all its vaccinations, it would be a good idea to find out if your local community has puppy obedience classes. These classes can reinforce your training and give your puppy a chance to socialize with other puppies.
- Have fun and take him / her on journeys.
- Never yell inappropriately at your dog. If you are training him and he doesn't fully understand, do not become impatient and scold him. He is only learning. Step away from him if you become frustrated and try again later.
- Never strike or hit your puppy. Hitting a puppy will make him fear and eventually resent you, damaging your bond with your dog. Walk away from the situation if you find yourself getting angry.
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