If you recently added a furry friend to your family, congratulations! Puppies are the most adorable animals to ever exist, but they come with a lot of work. It’s important to start training your puppy at an early age so that they can thrive as a valuable member of your family. The training process can seem very stressful at times, but once you implement the proper steps your puppy will be on the right track.
Here are some tips to help train your new puppy:
Socializing
Letting your new puppy socialize is exactly what it sounds like. Your puppy should be experiencing new people, animals, places, and situations on a daily basis. Allowing your puppy to fully experience their surroundings helps them become well-adjusted as they get older. One of the main reasons dogs can have behavioral problems is due to a lack of socialization in their earlier years. A well-adjusted pup is more likely to handle unfamiliar situations in an appropriate manner.
House Training
House training is typically one of the first things new pet owners like to work on with their new furry friend. To jump-start this training it’s important to keep your puppy on a routine schedule. Feed your pup at the same times every day and make sure to let your pup outside to use the restroom after they eat or drink.
It’s important to note that scolding your dog doesn’t work with house training – this will only confuse your puppy more. Instead, reward your dog with treats or praise when they are making progress.
Crate Training
Crates are a great method for house training when you don’t have enough time to supervise them. They can even help to prevent unwanted chewing. If your puppy spends a lot of time in their crate, it can eventually learn to love this spot.
Crates can also help to potty train your pup. Many animals don’t like to soil the place where they like to sleep. If you are crate training your pup, remember to give them frequent bathroom breaks.
No Destructive Chewing
We all know puppies love to chew on everything they can get their paws on. Rather than teaching them what they can’t chew on, show them what they can chew on. Scolding your dog when they chew on something they aren’t supposed to isn’t a helpful tactic for learning. Instead, redirect your dog to the toys that are appropriate. Crate training is also a great way to prevent unwanted chewing of furniture and personal items.
Positive Reinforcement
Puppies respond better to positive reinforcement. Scolding or punishing can stop unwanted behaviors, but they don’t teach your pup what you want them to be doing instead. Positive reinforcement helps your dog associate that particular behavior with a reward, thus making them want to continue doing it.
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