You’ve just brought your new furry friend home; things are exciting but you’re also in for a ride since they’ve had no training. Teaching them how to behave properly is crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved, happy adults. Here are some tips to help you successfully train your new puppy…coming from someone who’s been through it three times in the past and is thinking of doing it again soon. Eek!
Start early and be consistent
Puppies typically have poor attention spans but are always eager to learn and please their owners. Start training your pup with simple commands such as “sit” and “stay” as soon as possible. Keep these sessions short – no more than five to ten minutes several times each day.
Consistency is key. Use the same words and gestures for each command and reward your four-legged friend immediately after they respond correctly. This creates clear associations between the instruction and the desired behaviour. Avoid punishments for incorrect actions as this can lead to fear, hindering the learning process.
Introduce crate training
Crate training offers numerous benefits for young dogs. The crate itself provides a safe space for them to relax and feel secure, especially when you need to leave them alone. It can also prevent destructive behaviour by keeping your pet contained when unsupervised.
Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience by using treats and praise. Never use it as a punishment. Your pup will eventually view the crate as their safe haven and happily retreat to it.
Toilet training
Housetraining is often one of the more challenging aspects of puppy training. You must begin to establish a routine, so aim to take your furry friend outside frequently – especially after meals and naps. Choose a specific spot in your garden or a nearby area for toilet breaks, and reward your canine companion with praise and treats when they relieve themselves in the correct place to reinforce the behaviour.
Dog crates can make the task of housetraining easier because dogs generally like clean dens. If it is used as their sleeping area, they’ll want to avoid ruining this.
Ensure their dog crate is the right size or adjustable for them to move around in but not enough for a corner bathroom space. Take them outside at regular intervals after being put in their crate, and they will soon associate the outdoors with an appropriate place to go to the toilet.
Socialisation is essential
Socialisation is vital for puppies to prevent aggression and fearfulness as adults. Exposing them to a variety of people and animals in a safe and controlled environment as early as possible increases the likelihood that they will become well-adjusted in later life.
Puppy socialisation classes are an excellent way to achieve this, providing structured opportunities to interact with others and learn appropriate behaviours.
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