Training a Coton de Tulear: what works and what to expect

Cotons are eager learners who respond to praise, food and play. They pick up tricks quickly and generally want to please, so gentle, reward-based sessions work well. Keep your voice soft: this is a sensitive breed that can become worried by shouting or rough handling.

House training is the most common stumbling block, as with many small breeds. A tiny bladder means a young puppy may need to go out every one to two hours at first, and accidents on rugs are easy to miss. Crate training and a fixed routine help. Start separation training early too, leaving your puppy for a few minutes at a time with a chew and gradually extending the time.