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An Introduction to Puppy Training
The best time to start puppy training is when you first bring
your puppy home. This way, he learns your expectations before he
has time to develop any bad habits. Start by setting a few basic
rules and then begin to train commands.
Potty Training
The first thing most owners want their puppies to learn is
where to relieve themselves. The best way to do this is set them
up not to make mistakes. Puppy crate training is an important
piece of this. Teach your puppy to be comfortable in his crate
by feeding him and giving him great treats inside.
When you can't supervise your puppy, he must be in his crate.
Just make sure to take him out every 1 to 2 hours. Walk him to
the door you want him to use and reward him for going in the
right place. Keep a journal of how often he goes so you know
when it is time for him to go again.
Set Rules
Puppies need to learn not to nip, jump or chew on
inappropriate items. They are not born knowing these things.
Don't punish them. Just be consistent in not rewarding
undesirable behavior.
If your puppy jumps on you, walk away and ignore him. When he
is on all four feet, turn around to pet and praise him. If he
nips you, yell "ouch" and leave the room. If he chews on
something inappropriate, redirect him to one of his own toys.
This is most effective if he does not have access to things he
can chew up when you're not home.
Teach Commands
Puppies are so easy to teach because they want to please.
Take this opportunity to teach some important commands.
The first command to teach is focus. Say your dog's name 10
to 15 times a day. If he looks at you, give a treat. Build up to
doing this on walks and more distracting environments.
To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat directly above his
nose and then slowly move it back toward his rear. As he raises
his head to follow the treat, his butt will drop into a sit. Say
"sit" and then praise and give the reward. Release him quickly
with a "go free" command so he knows that sit means sit until
you say he can get up.
The most important command you will teach is recall. Puppies
learn this easily because they don't want to be far from you.
Take advantage! With your puppy on a leash, toss a treat away
from you so he has his back to you. Then, run back a couple of
steps, calling your dog's name excitedly. When he turns to run
toward you, stop, hold the treat above his nose like you would
for sit and say "come" as he sits. Then give lots of rewards and
pet him around his collar. When he is doing this reliably, start
saying the command instead of saying his name at the beginning
and build up distance and distraction.
This is the backbone to a great training program. Just
remember that when your dog hits 6 to 12 months, he will hit his
teenager phase, and sticking with your training program will be
important for a great adult dog.
Related Articles...
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sit,
come and
make eye contact
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House Training
Fixing Behavior Problems
The Benefits of Puppy Kindergarten
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How to Train a Dog
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Domesticating a Puppy: Potty Training and Housebreaking
Dog Potty Training Myths
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An Introduction to Dog Agility Training
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Puppy and Dog Toilet Training Tips for Indoor Pets
Puppy Exercise Tips |
