The puppy's mind initially is like a new chalkboard with nothing written on it; it is essential that the puppy learns positive things at this age so that it obeys your commands without any resistance.
Normally the first positive command that is taught to a puppy is to sit and you should teach the puppy to sit first.
This is a positive command which you will write on the "chalkboard mind" of the puppy so that it gets deeply embedded in its mind.
The puppy's age is a tender age and it is necessary that you write things that are constructive and useful.
The only negative command that the puppy should be made aware of is the word "no".
This can be taught later once the puppy knows the positive commands.
When you reprimand the puppy you may be using certain words with anger showing in your tone; these are not considered "commands" but are only words.
The puppy will understand from the tone of your voice that you are doing some disciplining.
Irrespective of the tone you use for the negative command "no" it will mean something to the puppy.
Loose the Distractions Another popular command that the puppy should be aware of in the puppy's preschool training is "fetch"; the area in which the puppy is taught for this command should be distraction free as far as possible.
We may be approaching this issue quite seriously but the puppy should be taught this more like a game.
However, you should not extend this game time more than ten minutes otherwise the puppy will get bored with it.
In case you continue the game longer than necessary after the puppy gets bored the puppy will consider your future games as a "real drag" and this will be non-productive.
A distraction free environment will help in the puppy concentrating on the game.
Let's Begin To start with you should choose a toy which the puppy likes more and sit on the floor.
By sitting on the floor you will be nearer to the puppy's level and this will facilitate giving a feeling of game atmosphere to the puppy.
In this game you should ensure that the puppy's leash is attached to its collar and you should hold the other end of the leash in your hand.
In order to attract the puppy, you must toss the toy up and down for a few seconds.
Once the puppy's attention is on the toy throw the toy at a distance from you to make the dog retrieve the toy.
Words of encouragement such as "Come on...
pick it up! You can do it! Good doggie!" etc will enthuse him further on the game.
A large number of words are used during this exercise but none sticks in the chalkboard mind of the puppy.
The prime consideration in this game is to make the puppy understand your tone of voice combined with your enthusiasm.
Once the puppy reaches the toy and shows interest he should be praised and encouraged further continuing the game.
If he picks up the toy and returns back you should praise him and encourage him.
Then you toss the toy again.
You should try to do this retrieval exercise at least four times within ten minutes of this play session.
After the game is complete you should remove the leash and finish the game with some sort of a reward to the puppy such as a cookie or other food he is fond of.
Since your puppy is only nine weeks old praise alone will not be sufficient to make him enthused.
Although it is good to have praises food is always more attractive to him.