Are you a new fur parent looking for effective puppy training tips? You’ve come to the right place!
Below is a collection of great tips that will help you properly train your puppy. From establishing routines to using positive reinforcement, you'll find valuable advice to set your furry buddy up for success. Let’s dive in!
Start Early
The best time for puppies to socialize is when they’re between 3 and 16 weeks old. Use this period to safely introduce them to different people, animals, and more. Take them to parks, stores, kid’s playgrounds, and even construction sites. This allows them to get used to their environment, soaking up every interaction they have with the world. If your puppy has any issues when dealing with people, get professional help ASAP.
Establish a Routine
Create a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, potty breaks, and training sessions. Dogs thrive on routine, and it helps them understand what is expected of them.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your puppy with treats, praise, affection, and, later on, life rewards when they exhibit good behavior. Positive reinforcement is an effective method for encouraging desired behaviors and building a strong bond with your pup.
Be Patient and Consistent
Training takes time and repetition. Be patient with your puppy and remain consistent in your training methods. It's important to use the same cues every time.
Socialize Your Puppy
Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, and environments early on to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Enroll them in puppy socialization classes to expose them to various experiences.
Teach Basic Commands
Start with essential cues like sit, stay, come, and down. These help establish the foundation for further training without reducing puppy agility. And they can help keep your fur buddy safe in various situations.
Use a Crate and Playpen
Introduce your puppy to a crate and playpen. This will serve as a safe and comfortable space for them. Crate training is also a great way to potty train your puppy, as well as teach them to settle down while you’re asleep. Puppies need 16 to 18 hours of sleep a day. By giving them a create and playpen, you’ll essentially give them their own bedroom.
Supervise and Manage the Environment
Keep an eye on your puppy and manage their environment to prevent unwanted behaviors. Puppy-proof your home, use baby gates if necessary, and remove any potential hazards.
Hand Feed Your Puppy
Feed your puppy from your hand to improve bonding and training. For starters, try giving them hollow chew toys like Kongs. Fill the hollow chew toys with their regular daily allotment of food and hand it to them when you want them to settle in their crate or playpen. This will help them make positive associations with settling and being away from you. Since puppies do everything with their mouths, the hollow chew toys will give them an outlet. To make it more challenging, soak their kibble, stuff it in a Kong, then place it in the freezer. They can eat the frozen treat throughout the day.
Train Your Puppy When Not to Bite
Puppies bite! But that doesn’t mean you should stop them from biting altogether. Instead, you should gently help them inhibit their urges. One way to do this is by freezing and saying ouch whenever they bite you. If they let go, say good job, give them a treat, or redirect their attention with a toy. If they continue to bite you, distance yourself from them, and then reward them as soon as they behave. Puppies also tend to bite due to lack of sleep. So make sure they get around 16 to 18 hours of Zzz’s.
Let Them Discover Things During Walks
When your puppy is ready to go on walks, please let them be a puppy. Let them smell, stop, watch and observe. Walk them on a 10-foot leash. And they should not be heeling; no dog should be heeling the entire walk! Dogs should be allowed to sniff and relax on their walks. However, make sure they avoid sniffing certain things like foxtails, etc. Lastly, bring their food and treats on their walks and reward them every time they look at you, or when you say their name.
Avoid Punishment
Instead of punishing your puppy for bad behavior, focus on redirecting their attention to more appropriate activities. Punishment can lead to fear and anxiety, hindering the training process.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you're struggling with training or behavior issues, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or attending obedience classes. They can provide valuable insights and tailored solutions for your specific needs.
Wrapping Up
By implementing the puppy training tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to shape your puppy into a well-behaved and happy companion. So best remember them to enjoy the rewarding experience of watching your puppy grow into a well-trained and beloved member of your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to train a puppy?
The best age to train a puppy is around 8 to 12 weeks old when their learning capacity is high. Take them to a puppy class that uses positive reinforcement, offers a tricks class, or specializes in puppy agility. These are all great classes to bring them to.
What is the easiest way to train a puppy?
The easiest way to train a puppy is through positive reinforcement, using treats, praise, and rewards to encourage desired behaviors.
What should I start training my puppy for the first time?
When training your puppy for the first time, start by having them follow you around the house. Let them chase you, and regularly reward them with play and kibble. Start with games like tag to help them remember their name. Then move on to exercises or games that can help them learn boundaries, increase their agility, and improve their social skills.
What are the 7 basic commands for dogs?
The seven basic commands for dogs are sit, stay, come, down, heel, leave it, and wait.