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- Getting a new puppy is exciting for the whole family.puppy image by Du...?an Zidar from Fotolia.com
Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for the whole family. Raising a puppy takes time and energy. Training a puppy can be difficult, but with the right attitude and guidance, puppy training can be successfully accomplished. Before an owner chooses a new puppy, he should research different types of training methods. It is important to find a method before adopting the puppy―that way, training can begin almost immediately. Some different styles of training include visual cues, such as sign language, vocal cues such as "sit" or stay" and clicker training. - Ideally, once the owner has chosen a method of training, she should stick to it. By switching to different methods during training, the puppy can become confused and it can prolong the entire training process.
- If the owner has elected to crate train their puppy, he should purchase the crate in advance. Ideally, the crate should be large enough for the puppy to grow into but come with a divider to limit the amount of space the puppy has until she grows. Dogs will not urinate or defecate in areas that they sleep, so by using the crate, the owner can teach the puppy that they do not go to the bathroom inside the house. When the puppy is removed from the crate, he should be brought outside and encouraged to go to the bathroom.
- In addition to crate training, puppies should be put onto a bathroom break schedule. Ideally, the puppy should be brought outside every two to three hours for a bathroom break. There should also be a bathroom break following meal time, after waking up or before bedtime. This will help cement the idea in the puppy's head that the owner does not want her to go to the bathroom inside.
- Socializing a puppy is incredibly important, especially during the first few weeks he has entered a new home. The owner should make an effort to expose the puppy to as many different sights, smells and people as possible. This means exposing the puppy to people in hats, bald people or people with facial hair but also exposing the puppy to children of all ages. Puppies should also be exposed to as many different items or situations as possible, such as opening and closing an umbrella.
- Puppies too, should be taught manners. For example, puppies should not be allowed to jump up onto people. While this may be cute as a puppy, it will not be cute once the dog is fully grown and many people will not appreciate a dog jumping on them. One way to prevent jumping is to turn away and ignore the puppy until he stops jumping.
- The leash is designed to keep the dog safe. By leashing the dog, the owner can prevent the puppy from running up to people or running out in front of a car. It may take some time for the puppy to become accustomed to the leash and it may be ideal to start with small trips around the yard or the home before embarking on longer walks or trips to the pet store.
- While training a puppy, the owner will need some form of positive reinforcement or reward. A reward does not necessarily mean a treat or food. Ideally, the owner should reinforce good behavior with vocal praise every time and only supply a treat occasionally rather than giving the puppy a treat every time he obeys. Otherwise, the puppy will begin to expect regular treats and he may act out when he does not receive a one.
Consistency
Crate Training
Potty Training
Socializing
Manners
Leash Training
Rewards
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