Your New Best Friend's Basics
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting. Their irresistible cuteness, that puppy smell, the joy they carry along, what's not to love? As endearing as they are, puppies come with a substantial amount of responsibilities, most importantly, training. Here, we'll dive into the fundamental training techniques for your puppy that'll keep its tail wagging and foster an obedient, sociable adult dog.
The Golden Rule: Patience
As a high schooler, you know that learning new things is challenging, and that's no different for your new furry friend. Make sure you're patient with your pup and understand that they won't get everything right the first time. It takes time for any puppy to adopt new habits, so be patient and give them room for mistakes, just like how it works for us humans.
Basic Command #1: Sit
The first command you should teach your pup is 'Sit'. This simple skill is amazing for creating calm, respectful behaviour. To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat close to their nose and then move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower. Once they are in sitting position, say 'Sit', give them the treat and share affection. Learn more from this external source.
Basic Command #2: Stay
While 'Sit' is great, situational control is equally essential, that's where 'Stay' comes handy. Once your puppy has mastered 'Sit', introduce them to 'Stay'. It may be a bit tricky initially, as it's in their nature to want to follow you. Start by using the 'Stay' command when they're calm and slowly increase the distance between you two over time. Remember to reward them with treats!
Must-have Training Aids
Training aids can dramatically help in your puppy's lesson grasping phase. Training clickers are a cost-effective and efficient way to mark the behaviour you want before giving a treat. Your pup will quickly learn to associate the click with a reward, perpetuating good behaviour.
Preventing Unwanted Behaviours
Your puppy's adorable, but their chewing behaviour? Possibly not so much. This is a normal part of puppyhood, and toys can shift this behaviour from your furniture to more acceptable items. You can find some tips on handling such scenarios on our Dog and Puppy Care page.
Navigating Common Challenges
You'll face challenges while training your new pup. It's crucial to remember, consistency is key when it comes to training. You might be tempted to overlook a naughty behavior – don't. Always make sure that your pup understands what's acceptable and what's not.
Wrapping Up Your Pup Training
Training a puppy can be a challenge, but it's also an amazing chance to bond with your new best friend. Expect lots of love, playful moments, and a bunch of learning- both for your pup and you. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement will make the training process smoother and enjoyable. As you progress, remember that every puppy is unique, and learning paces differ. Congrats on your new furry friend, and remember – take lots of pictures, they grow up so fast!