You just brought your new puppy home from the animal shelter and realized you knew very nothing about dog training. Let’s face it, puppy-training lessons are pricey, not everyone has the time, and they don’t always ensure success. For your benefit, we’ve gathered some advice to help you and your new pooch enjoy the best possible relationship.
Socializing
A crucial component of training is socializing your puppy since it prepares them to grow up to be well-mannered around other dogs and in a variety of contexts. If you don’t do this, your dog may develop behavioral issues like fear, hostility, and excessive barking, and we’re quite sure you don’t want any of that.
Set up a schedule.
A consistent daily schedule is often best for dogs. For instance, schedule your puppy’s feeding for around the same time each day, and then make sure he immediately goes outdoors. He’ll always have a specific time that he needs to go potty, which will make house training much smoother.
Domestic Training
This one should be quite obvious as we’re very sure it was already high on your list of priorities before. Take your puppy outside as soon as he’s finished eating. Get used to feeding your puppy at the same times of the day (as described above). Of course, after he goes outside, always give him praise and treats!
Use Positive Reinforcement Instead
When your puppy soils your new couch or has an accident indoors, it can be tempting to snap at him. However, it’s vital to remember that yelling at or punishing your puppy won’t help much and might even make him more afraid or confused. Instead, concentrate on praising and rewarding good conduct.
Basic Training in Obedience
Puppies can learn basic obedience instructions like “sit,” “stay,” and “lay down” as soon as you bring them home, so you may begin teaching them at a young age. And once more: always reinforce good behavior!
Crate Instruction
When you are unable to watch your puppy or when you simply need him to be out of the way for a short while, crates are essential. But it will take some time, effort, and encouragement to get him used to being in the crate. If you handle things properly, the crate just might replace the couch as his new favorite spot in the house. Don’t leave him in there for extended periods of time frequently!
Never stifle chewing
Being a dog naturally entails chewing. In fact, you shouldn’t discourage children from doing it because it’s beneficial for their teeth. Instead, instruct children on what is acceptable chewing material. Instead of reprimanding him when you notice him beginning to chew on something he shouldn’t, simply replace it with a suitable toy like a bone or a kong loaded with peanut butter.
Maintain His Mental Stimulation
Some dog breeds require more cerebral stimulation than others, and failing to provide your dog this can result in behavioral issues like aggression or separation anxiety while you’re away. To prevent this, make sure you constantly provide them something to play with when you’re not there, so they aren’t left to fend for themselves when they need to pass the time
Make him feel at ease with being alone himself
Since you can’t be with your dog all the time, especially if you typically work in an office during the day, it’s critical to teach your dog to occasionally be alone. This implies that even how much it hurts your heart, you shouldn’t go comfort your dog every time he cries at night. Naturally, show him a lot of affection when you get home from a hard day at work; after all, he probably believes you were about to leave him forever.