How to Train a puppy is a necessary skill for dog owners. I remember the first time we got a puppy. I was 7 and we all loved playing with him. My puppy’s name was Tut, after King Tut. Tut was a German Shepard mixed with a Saint Bernard. It was fun, for about 3 days. Then the work started. Walking the dog. Feeding the dog. Cleaning up after the dog. There were days where the work of a puppy overshadowed the fun of a puppy. I wish I knew then, what I know now.
Training your puppy
Having a puppy is like having a baby. It’s cute, but it’s a lot of work. Puppies bite, bark all the time and go to the bathroom in the house. Owners often lose sight that the puppy is becoming part of the human family, not the other way around. Dogs require training and that should start from day 1. This will make your household happy and your new puppy.
Train your puppy: To use a crate
Crate training is a great way to start your puppy down the road to success. The puppy will begin to recognize the crate as their space in your home. Once the puppy understands that, they will be reluctant to go to the bathroom where they sleep. Introducing a schedule, where there are regular bathroom breaks, bedtime, and feeding times will help them settle into a routine. The routine needs to be etched in stone. Rarely deviate from it especially in the early days.
Pro Tip for using a Crate:
Diana Lipari, who breeds and shows beagles with the American Kennel Club recommends: Uncrated dogs left at home are trouble waiting to happen. They can get bored and destroy your house. Instead, teach them to love being in their crate by giving them treats.
Train your puppy: Bathroom rules
Puppies will go to the bathroom in your house. Just accept it. It is important not to shame your dog when they do. Instead, you may want to add another bathroom break to the schedule. Careful not to give them too much water especially in the evening. Remember, we want to train them to go to the bathroom where you want.
Pro Tip for Bathroom rules:
Karen Wagner, a German Shepherd Dog breeder, recommends to be firm; if you don’t teach your dog doesn’t as a puppy, the chances of them learning it as an adult are remote. Crate training, leash training, and positive reinforcement will help your puppy use the bathroom you designate.
Train your puppy: To walk on a leash
Puppies are playful. They don’t always want to walk on a leash. Repetition is the key to leash training. The goal is simple. You want to help your dog walk respectfully, calmly on a leash. Leash training is critical to help you socialize and housebreak your puppy.
Pro Tip for Leash Training:
Theresa Viesto, a Labrador retriever breeder and handler says if you can’t control your dog on a leash, then you’re not going to able to control them later. Be patient as your puppy learns and reward them when they do well.
Train your puppy: How to socialize
Socializing your puppy is an important step in building their confidence and making them friendlier. Who wants a dog that jumps on every guest to your home. Who wants a dog that barks at everything passing by the window. You want your dog to be respectful and calm when visitors approach.
Pro Tip for How to socialize your puppy:
Theresa Viesto recommends socializing your puppy as possible. Take them anywhere dogs are allowed like pet stores, parks, and trails. This helps them not be alarmed or excited when your dog is approached by someone they are not familiar with.”
Train your puppy: How to sit
Teaching your puppy how to sit is a valuable skill. Saying “sit” will help your puppy not jump on visitors and be calm during mealtime. Once your dog understands the command to sit is a doorway for other handy skills like, “come” and “stay”. Picture your cute puppy as an 80-pound dog. You will be happy that you taught them these commands as a pup.
Pro Tip for training How to sit:
Cesar Milano, the celebrity dog trainer from Cesar 911, recommends using calm assertive energy to tell your dog to sit. You may even push down on their rear-end to help them understand. When they do what you ask, praise, and reward them with a treat. They will quickly learn what you want.
27707 (CC0), Pixabay
Train your puppy: To not bite
Puppies like to playfully bite while their canine teeth grow in. It is very similar to a baby teething. Puppies sometimes don’t realize how hard they are biting. To help them understand, say “Ouch!” in a loud, high voice. This will alert your puppy that it hurts and stop. When they do, praise them and give them a treat.
Pro Tip for not biting:
Kathy Santos, a dog-training expert recommends never yell or physically punish your puppy because your pet will just interpret it as another form of attention, even if it’s negative. Instead, warn that it hurts and reward them when they stop.
Also resources to reference an article from the humane society.
