Having a new pet partner in the home is absolute happiness, but it’s not so much when they start chewing your shoes, barking unnecessarily, or not listening to your commands. It means it’s time for puppy obedience training, and no matter if your pet is just a puppy or an adult dog, it’s never too late for puppy training.
Puppy training is all about teaching them how to live confidently in your environment. Here are these tips every new dog owner should know for a pleasant puppy partner experience.
Start Training Early
The best time to begin puppy obedience training is when the puppy has settled in at your place. If it’s a new puppy, the ideal time is usually around eight weeks old. At this stage, they’re eager to learn and can develop habits fast.
Short Sessions
Dogs are smart, but still, long sessions result in losing spark and energy for learning. Keep sessions short and playful. A simple session of five minutes throughout the day is enough to build the base for good behavior.
Focus on Appreciation
Puppies react far better to rewards than to punishment. Praising them, offering them treats, or extending their playtime can help them to have a passion to learn more. During sessions, when your puppy sits on command or stops barking after you ask, reward them instantly. It will show them that listening to you gets them good things, so they will keep learning.
Simple Commands
In basic training, start teaching in a less distracting area, like your room. Stick to short, clear words like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “no.” Do not change words; it will confuse your puppy. Stick with the same words and ask your family to do so; otherwise, the dog won’t know which command to follow. Agree on the same words and tone, so your puppy will be able to learn fast.
Socialize Often
Puppy obedience training isn’t just about teaching him to act on what you say, but it’s also about helping your dog feel comfortable around different people, pets, and environments. Introduce your puppy to new sights, sounds, and smells gradually. A well-socialized puppy has more positive behavior and fewer aggressive habits.
Be Consistent
Being consistent with training will strengthen your bond and speed up learning. Make sure that the environment around them is also following the same rules and words to help your puppy understand and learn better.
Basic Training
Some other common basic training lessons involve:
- Coming when called their name: Most of the time, puppies run off when you are in a park or somewhere outside. Teach them to come when you say it in a soft tone to help them learn easily.
- Leash Training: It is a skill that can help in more enjoyable and safe walking for you and your dog.
- Sitting on command: Teaching them to sit is also important. Teach them by showing them a treat and keep it at your head height, your dog will sit while looking upward, and now say “sit” so they learn the word.
- Fetching things: You can encourage this behavior by rewarding them with treats or toys when they bring you something.
