Puppy Training
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So you've got a new member of the family, an adorable puppy you hope will be with you for many years to come. Having a puppy brings with it a lot of happiness, as well as responsibilities. An undisciplined pet makes for an unhappy relationship, so you'll need to start your puppy training program as soon as possible. If you've
never had a dog before, you may not know where to start. Here you'll find one good strategy to puppy training that results in a happy and well behaved dog.
Your puppy needs some time to adjust to his new environment and family members. He'll want to explore his new home and make friends with everyone. Puppies are so full of energy and natural curiosity that you should expect that he'll be getting into trouble at some point. For example, if you have a cat, be prepared for it to immediately get in your puppy's face, with much fanfare, hissing and arching of back. Take care when you introduce these two. It's best to make this introduction short and sweet, holding your puppy in your arms and out of the cats reach. Your cat will likely go off to sulk for awhile, choosing a perching point from which to keep her eye on this new guy. Don't force the situation – they will soon enough get used to one another. They may even become friends.
For the first few days, the only puppy training that needs to happen is potty training. Lay several sheets of newspaper down in a designated spot. This won't happen overnight, but most puppies get the picture pretty quickly. When an accident occurs, point to the undesired deposit and firmly, but not angrily, say, “No, no, no!” Carry him directly to the newspaper and set him down. Of course, he's already done his business elsewhere. You'll want him to begin to associate the newspaper with going potty. Never fear, he will eventually get the message. If two weeks pass without progress, talk to your vet for puppy potty training tips.
In the meantime, spend plenty of time playing with your puppy and make sure that he's getting all the exercise he needs. Put him on a leash and take him for short walks a few times each day, preferably after eating. Establishing this routine will also help make the potty training process shorter.
One important component of the puppy training process is grooming, which includes bathing. Make the bath water comfortably warm and use baby shampoo, so he gets used to this activity. You don't want to try wrestling a 6 month old, 40 pound dog into a bath for the first time! Pet him and talk soothingly as you brush him well. Your puppy will grow to enjoy getting a bath.
Right along with potty training, you'll want to gently chastise him if he gets hold of your favorite slippers. Puppies chew on pretty much anything. Providing him with chew toys will help him learn that clothing and furniture is off limits, but he can chew on his toys to his heart's content. He'll catch on soon enough.
Barking is a dog's job. When your dog barks, he wants to bring something to your attention. On the other hand, excessive barking is not acceptable. If your puppy barks if a bird flies by, he's probably just bored and in need of some attention. You'll want to nip excessive barking in the bud. If you don't incorporate this into your puppy training program, you'll have a bigger problem down the road. Be sure he gets the attention he's looking for before he makes an association between barking and receiving more attention.
After three weeks with your new puppy, he should be house trained, leash trained, eager for baths and grooming, barking appropriately and perhaps even tolerating the cat. He'll know about his chew toys and enjoy his daily walks.
Phase one of your puppy training program has been accomplished. Now, for phase two of proper puppy training. Go online and search out information on teaching the standard commands – sit, stay, lie down and heel. Your puppy is well prepared to upgrade his skills.
