Our family just expanded!! He is adorable, with four paws and lots of licks to give. Even though I truly believe he is THE perfect pup, he still needs to be trained. Training a puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires patience, consistency, and a lot of love. Fortunately, my husband and I have both raised and trained a puppy before so I’m here to share a few key things you should know, in order to ensure a successful training process.
1. Start with the basics
The first step in training your puppy is to teach them the basics. This includes commands such as sit, stay, come, and drop it. These commands will not only help you control your puppy but will also ensure their safety. Especially drop it.. because puppies love to put anything and everything in their mouth. To teach your puppy these commands, start by using positive reinforcement. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they follow your commands correctly. You could also use a clicker to mark the desired behavior and reward your puppy accordingly.
2. Set up a routine
Puppies thrive on routine (as do I), so it’s important to establish a schedule for feeding, exercise, and training. This will help your puppy develop good habits and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Make sure to provide your puppy with plenty of opportunities for exercise and playtime, as this will help them burn off excess energy and reduce destructive behavior.
3. Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in puppy training. Instead of punishing your puppy for bad behavior, focus on rewarding them for good behavior. This will help your puppy associate positive feelings with the desired behavior and encourage them to repeat it.
Treats, toys, and praise are all effective rewards for your puppy. My little boy LOVE his pup-peroni treats. Make sure to use rewards consistently and immediately after the desired behavior to reinforce the good connection!
4. Be patient and consistent
Training a puppy takes time and patience. It’s important to remember that your puppy is still learning and may make mistakes along the way. Consistency is key, so make sure to use the same commands and high value rewards every time.
Avoid scolding or punishing your puppy, as this can be counterproductive and damage the trust between you and your pet. Instead, remain calm and redirect their behavior towards a positive outcome.
5. Seek professional help, if needed (or if you’re new to this)
If you are struggling with puppy training, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. I certainly did when I adopted my first puppy! A certified dog trainer can provide valuable advice and guidance on how to train your puppy effectively. We signed up for puppy training lessons at our local pet store (Thanks, Cory).
