Did you just find a new four-legged friend wandering your neighborhood? Or did you just adopt a puppy from a shelter?
Either way, congratulations! You are at the beginning of a beautiful friendship. However, training a new puppy can be handled easier than you realize.
What do you need to know about training your puppy? How do you carry out all the bathroom training, biting habits, and other unwanted puppy behaviors? We’re glad you asked.
Keep reading for all the tips, on how to learn tricks and advice you need to know about training your new pet.
Keep the Training Session Short
Having patience is one of the most important factors when training your new puppy. Keeping your training sessions short is a great way to prevent your pup from getting bored and for their full focus.
Start by teaching commands like “sit”, “down”, “stay” and “come”. The key is to practice for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Using clicker for dog training is beneficial as the sound of it is more consistent in developing communication that they did a great job.
Try using positive reinforcement techniques, such as giving treats when your pup does something correctly. With consistency and repetition, your pup will eventually practice the commands without the need for treats. Give them a few minutes of play afterwards to relieve stress and keep them from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
If your puppy seems overwhelmed, give them a break and extend the session to a later time.
Establishing Boundaries and House Rules
Writing down the rules and having the whole family enforce them ensures consistency. The key is to be consistent and stay positive when teaching rules. Reward positive behavior with treats and praise.
Dogs will respond best to positive reinforcement. It’s also important to set expectations for where the puppy is allowed to be and what areas are off-limits. Depending on the size of the puppy, set up barriers by using baby gates or blocking off certain areas around the house.
Learning the house rules is important for a puppy to find success in interacting with humans and other animals. Ultimately, setting boundaries and house rules is the best way to teach your puppy what is expected of them.
Recognize Their Bathroom Sign
Training them will be much easier in the long run if you can take them outside at the first sign of him needing to go to the bathroom. Knowing what to look for can be tough, as puppies may not demonstrate the same signs when they are about to eliminate as an adult dog.
Some signs of an impending potty session can include your puppy sniffing the floor, pacing, or circling. Additionally, puppies usually squat before going to the toilet. Getting your puppy outside at the first sign of any of these behaviors can drastically reduce ‘accidents’ in the house.
Additionally, make sure to take your pup out to the same place for potty breaks, and when your pup does its business outside reward them with praise and treats. Setting a potty schedule is also important and taking your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and at bedtime is a must.
Regularly pick up after your pup and ensure that the potty area remains clean. Allow plenty of time each day to potty and play outdoors. With time and effort, your pup will learn good potty habits that will last a lifetime!
Introducing Them to the Leash
You should start off easy by just placing the leash around your pup’s neck and then allowing them to get used to the feel of it. You can do this by just placing the leash on your pup when they’re not expecting it, and then slowly start leading them around.
You will want to give them plenty of praise and treats as they learn how to walk on the leash. Be patient with them and be sure to use positive reinforcement such as treats, toys, and verbal praise.
It is important to reward your pup with positive rewards when they follow the commands of walking on the leash, as this reinforces the behaviors. Make sure to take plenty of breaks during the training process to prevent stress and frustration.
Control Their Mouth
Training your new pet about controlling its mouth is necessary. You need to be firm but gentle when disciplining your pup. You should never hit or yell at them, as these tactics will only confuse them and make them resentful or afraid.
You should consistently reward your pup for positive behaviors, as this will encourage them to continue displaying good behavior. You also need to set up boundaries and rules, so that your pup will learn how to act appropriately.
Teaching vocal commands can also be a great way to help your pup learn to control their mouth, and use words like “no” or “stop” in a firm but calm voice when needed. Lastly, make sure that you give your pup the proper amount of exercise, as this will channel their energy in a positive direction and help encourage good behavior.
Socializing Your Puppy With Other Animals and People
Start socializing early and be sure to introduce your pup to other animals in a controlled and safe manner. First, slowly introduce them to animals of the same size and temperament. If your pup gets along with the first one, try introducing them to a larger animal, such as a dog, in a secure space.
You can also take your puppy for walks in a park or around the neighborhood, allowing them to see a variety of other animals and people. Make sure to reward them for good behavior and be patient as they adjust.
Throughout this process, be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement, as it will make socialization easier. Lastly, getting your pup used to car rides and noises is a great way to familiarize them with the world around them.
Promote Good Behavior and Start Training Your New Puppy Now!
Training a new puppy takes dedication and patience, but it is incredibly rewarding. As the owner, you must dedicate your time and energy to teaching your pup the right habits in order to ensure a healthy and happy future. Start now and take the initiative to facilitate a successful relationship between you and your pup. Join our puppy training course to learn more! Did you find this article helpful? If so, take a look at our other blog posts for all things pets.
