subject: Tips To Add To Your Dog Training Guide [print this page] A new puppy can be an enjoyable experienceA new puppy can be an enjoyable experience. However, it is not enjoyable if they are not properly trained. Here are some tips that you may wish to add to your dog training guide.
Learning the proper place and time
One of the most important things for your pup to know is potty habits. If the pet is inside the house, it must know the difference between outside and inside. Is your pup at least seven weeks of age? It is not too early to begin with teaching.
At first, each session should be short. It should not be over 15 minutes in duration. Pups are similar to children. Their attention spans are very short. As the dog matures, you may wish to have longer conditioning sessions. However, there should be a time limit of 20 minutes per session. Pay attention to the pup. If it starts to become distracted, it may be best to end the lesson for the day.
Try to practice consistency. Each lesson should be at the same time of day. This will help the pup to understand what is going on. It may begin to look forward to times that you are together. The last lesson should be a positive one. Make sure it is something that the pup has done well.
Keep the entire session as positive as possible. No one does well under an air of criticism. This includes animals. If the pup is constantly criticized, it may confuse training with scolding. It can be difficult to teach under those conditions. Be consistent with your commands and methods, too. Do not change command words, as it may only confuse the pup.
Jumping on people and objects
Your pet should be discouraged from jumping up on objects and people. They can easily ruin or soil fine clothing. They may accidentally knock down a small child. This can cause injuries.
One word is sufficient for a command to get down. "Off" or "down" will usually work. When you give commands, make sure that you show your teeth. Dogs know that you are serious, when this happens. It is one way that they communicate among themselves. Whenever your pet does well, make a big deal out of it. Make sure that you are hearty in your praise.
It is best to include everyone when teaching the pup. If not, you may be seen as the alpha dog. The pup may consider itself to be number two. It will perceive other family members as inferior. It may pay little attention to their commands. Before company arrives, place the pup on a leash. It will not harm others, as it learns not to jump.
Final thoughts
There are things that you can teach your pup, soon after it is home. Potty training is very important for any pup over seven weeks old. Keep the teaching periods short. Pups are like children. They are easily distracted. Teach them at the same approximate time, each day. Single word commands like "off" and "down" work for teaching dogs not to jump. If you show your teeth, they will know that you mean business. Until your pup learns not to jump, use a leash as a training guide. This will keep others from injury or from becoming soiled.
