Welcome to puppy parenthood! Bringing home a new puppy is a very exciting time but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
One of the most important aspects of raising a well-behaved and happy dog is proper training. Without proper training your sweet little fur baby can and will turn into a little tasmanian devil!
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the top 10 tips for training your new puppy, ensuring that you successfully raise and a happy, well-mannered, and confident dog.
1. Start Early, Start Right
Just like human babies, puppies are sponges when it comes to learning. Begin training as soon as you bring your fur baby home.
Establish basic rules and routines from day one, including potty training and basic commands such as come, sit and stay.
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2. Set Clear Expectations
I feel like I’m a broken record here because I say this a lot but Consistency is key! Make sure everyone in your household is knows and is on the same page with training methods to avoid confusion.
Set clear expectations for your pup’s behavior, reinforcing positive actions and redirecting negative ones consistently.
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3. Treat and Praise
Puppies thrive on positive reinforcement. Reward desired behaviors with verbal praise, lovins’ (petting), and tasty treats.
This encourages your puppy to repeat good and desired behaviors that earn them yummy rewards, making training an enjoyable experience for both of you.
RELATED: How Do You Figure Out What Treats Your Dog Likes Best for Training Success?
4. Short and Fun Training Sessions
Like most children, puppies have short attention spans. Keep your training sessions brief, around five to ten minutes, and make them fun!
Incorporate games and play into the training routine to keep your puppy engaged and enthusiastic.
5. Patience, Patience, Patience
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a well-trained dog!! Read that sentence again….
Embrace the process with patience. Understand that accidents will happen, and there will be setbacks.
Keep calm, be patient, and stay consistent with your training efforts and you will successfully train your puppy!
6. Socialization Is Important
Exposing your puppy to various people, animals, and environments is crucial for their development.
Introduce them to different sounds and experiences, such as walks in the park, meeting friendly dogs, and supervised visits to family and friends. This will foster confidence and sociability in your fur baby.
7. Leash Training
Proper leash walking is an essential skill. Teach your puppy to walk on a loose leash, rewarding them with treats and praise when they stay by your side.
Avoid pulling or tugging on the leash, as this can create negative associations with walks and hinder future training progress.
8. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you feel overwhelmed or encounter specific behavioral challenges, don’t be afraid or hesitate to seek professional assistance from a certified dog trainer.
A dog trainer can provide personalized guidance and techniques to help you and your pup succeed.
9. Stay Consistent Outside of Training
Training doesn’t stop once the “training session” ends. Incorporate what your puppy learns on their daily life. Be consistent with your expectations and reinforce good behavior outside of formal training.
This will help your pup generalize their training and exhibit positive behavior in various situations.
10. Make Training a Bonding Experience
Above all, training should be a bonding experience for you and your fur baby. Enjoy this special time together, filled with love, laughter, and plenty of tail wags. Cherish the milestones your pup achieves and celebrate each small victory along the way.
Conclusion
Training your new puppy is a necessity. Without it your sweet lil angel puppy can and will turn into a destructive lil devil.
With these top 10 tips, you’re well on your way to a successfully raising a happy, well-mannered dog. Remember, it’s all about patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
What tip are you most looking forward to trying with your new puppy? Or what are you struggling most with? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!