subject: Training Your Puppy [print this page] Training Your Puppy Training Your Puppy
Don't worry - training your dog can actually be a lot of A new pup is always a pleasure to welcome into your household. These cute little scamps are friendly, funny, curious and mischievous, but just like kids, they've got to be taught the ground rules right away. Training your dog may sound like an overwhelming prospect - where do you begin?fun. Your pup comes complete with his own attitude and his own simple dog-brain, for the most part, he'll be pretty predictable, once you know how to communicate with him, and read his signals when he tries to communicate with you. Just train often and for short durations, and be consistent in your praise and punishment. Here are a few tips to help you start teaching your pup the uncomplicated way.
When you initially bring your pup home, he's bound to become excited and curious. Everything is new to him. Before you bring him inside your home, lay a few sheets of newspaper down around the home. In his excitement, don't be surprised if there's an accident deposited on the floor somewhere. Be sure you know how to clean up after your dog properly, so any accidents don't leave an odor that he comes back to again and again. If a potty accident occurs, don't flip out and shriek at the poor tiny pup... he doesn't know this is undesirable behavior. Instead, use a low, firm voice, saying "No, no...", and get him over for the newspaper or better yet, take him outside where you want him to eliminate. Granted, the deed is already done, but when you do not scare him with shrill chastisements and excessive hand-wringing, your puppy will soon realize what you want without excessive drama.
One of the nice things about dogs that makes them easy to live with is that they have an in-built desire to please you, which is certainly not the case with kitties! Keep this fact in mind as you start teaching your puppy. He or she intuitively regards you as the master in this relationship unless you give your puppy reason to think otherwise! Never use a heavy-handed approach when training your puppy. In the event you do, he may well dig in his heels or merely become afraid of you and less willing to go along together with your program.
When you start training your dog, it is very important to be calm and consistent. Sure, for you, the potty training instruction is one of the least attractive aspects of dog training. But it is a great opportunity to bond with your dog (by spending a lot of time monitoring his habits in your house, and it can help lay the groundwork for future training lessons. Given praise for his 'right' behavior is like a ray of sunshine within your puppy's mind. Eager to please, he'll learn the 'correct' behavior and bask happily in your praise. If he seems a tiny bit slow to learn, continue being patient. He'll get it, eventually.
At first, let the puppy to explore your house or apartment, so he becomes familiar with your home. You'll have to keep a sharp eye on him so if he does have an accident or do something naughty, you can catch him in the act and correct him. Chewing on furniture and your daughter's favorite sweater should be discouraged! The key to success lies in you keeping your cool, interacting with your pup in calm and measured tones and demonstrating consistent behavior.
After your dog is housebroken, it will be easy for you to teach him basic obedience commands. If you need extra help, a dog training manual or video course may help you with advanced training or correct problem behavior.
Remember to have fun with your puppy and make your training sessions fun, too. And always bear in mind that your puppy wants guidance and leadership from you. Don't let him down!
