How To Train A Puppy
A Primer For New Puppy Owners
Why is it So Important to Learn How to Train a Puppy?
Simply put, it will make your future relationship with your dog so much stronger, easier and enjoyable. It will also ensure that your puppy matures into a socially acceptable and trustworthy dog.
Puppies are adorable there's no doubt about that. They are also full of potential - which can develop into potentially good, not so good, or even bad behavior - gasp!!
They don't know the difference unless we direct their potential. And we
certainly can't gripe about their behavior if we don't take time to train them.
Teach Your Puppy How To Survive
Puppies come into the world full of curiosity, ready to investigate and learn
about everything, including how to survive in their pack! At this vulnerable time
of life they will be the most responsive to having their behavior directed and
structured.
When you know how to train a puppy, you will be able to easily teach a puppy his
survival skills so that he can happily and confidently fit in with his new pack,
his pack leader and his world.
In return you will have a puppy that responds predictably because you have set up
the lines of communication with him. Step by step the relationship with your
companion will be enhanced as you progress through his training.
What Happens If A Puppy Isn't Trained?
Well, left to his own devices, a puppy will most likely grow up with a lot of undesirable habits.
Things like:
- Leaving puddles around the house,
- Chewing on your furniture or other possessions,
- Nuisance barking etc.
Not what you had in mind, right? But, let's face it, as far as he is concerned anything goes unless he's been taught otherwise.
Courtesy Unsplash
How To Train A Puppy With Confidence
You will be the most effective in your puppy training if you are confident and
consistent. Being confident means having a method you believe in and one that
others have used with good results.
A good method is based on positive reinforcement and praise. It relies on teaching
firmly, yet in a kind manner and never resorts to shouting or violence.
When you are training a puppy, remember he is still in his infancy and has a short
attention span. Use his natural playfulness to include some fun in his training
sessions and be ever so patient.
Give him a wide birth when it comes to mistakes, because they will happen. Deal
with them as you would with a young child - as an opportunity to correct and
reinforce the desired behavior.
Don't get all wound up about them as you'll be missing an important part of training - the bonding that occurs when it is done in a friendly, non-threatening way.
Courtesy pixabay
When To Begin Training
So now you have the guidelines of how to train a puppy, the best time to begin the process is very soon after you bring him home.
Potty training a puppy is usually the top
priority followed by puppy socialization. Down the road will come leash training
and the basic commands of sit, stay, leave-it etc., during which time he will also
be learning his/her name.
Don't ever forget that while you are enjoying that adorable furry little puppy,
your training sessions are teaching him what he needs to know to be loved and
treasured for a lifetime.
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