Puppy Training Basics - Essential Guide | Dogs

By: Matthew Hick

Often people wonder exactly when puppy training should take place. Well, the answer is as soon as possible. A puppy is able to learn things as soon as he can walk. And the earlier you start training, the more acceptable to it the puppy will be.

Training introduced at an early age will yield good results and cooperation; at a later age it will prove more difficult and meet with resistance. So, get your puppy started on the right track with some proper training, and he will become a welcome addition to your home.

A puppy’s brain grows and develops dramatically in the first six months of its life. This is a time where you can have an enormous influence on how he develops regarding his learning, socialization and emotional behavior. In fact, a puppy can start training as soon as he opens his eyes. Socialization training is very important to a puppy and it is sensitive to this during the third to sixteenth week of its life. It can prevent behavior problems, presented as aggression, at a later age. A well-socialized puppy will turn into a happy, secure dog. Initially, the puppy is around the rest of its litter. Handling by humans should start early also. As he grows he should be taken out, so he can continue to be around other people and pets. By spending time with your puppy through play, the puppy will develop a bond with you and will want to please you.

It is important to establish who is in control. A puppy that is allowed to roam as he wishes, with no limitations on behavior, will learn he is in charge. He will take signals from his setting as to how he should act. So, it is good to set restrictions. Start by setting up an eating area and his crate area. Get a crate just big enough for him to stand in. Too big a crate will allow the puppy to have an area to use as a potty. And house training is one of the first training areas you should address. Take the dog outside frequently so they have the opportunity to go outside. This way they will sense where they are supposed to go. If he messes in the house, clean it up, give him a firm “NO”, and take it outside. This way he will know where it should go. Try to keep his urine smell out of the house, as he will associate that with the potty area.

Puppies also love to chew on things. They will do this when they become bored. So play with your puppy and keep him entertained. Also provide him with plenty of chew toys especially if you catch him chewing on something he is not suppose to. It is also a good idea to start early in teaching the puppy not to bite people. While playing with the puppy, try to get him to bite you. When he does, say “ouch” really loud to startle him and stop playing. After a few minutes go back to playing with him and keep repeating. He will get the idea.

Puppy training should be done routinely on a daily basis. And it should be consistent. Stick to the rules. And make sure the whole family does also. Dogs do have a short attention span; so make sure each session is short. It is also important to never hit the dog when he does something wrong. Instead, reward good behavior. He will get the point. Positive reinforcement for good behavior, and a firm “NO” when he does something you don’t like, should do the trick.

Simple commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “down”, “come” and “no” can be taught the first year sometimes even by the 8th week. Their brains are like sponges in the early months of their lives. Say their name and commands often. They will learn through repetition. Reward them with treats initially to get them to follow a command. Later you can withhold the treats and instead offer a “good dog” as a reward.

It is important during your training process, to have a great deal of patience with the puppy. You should never yell or hit your dog. Instead reward good behavior. They will respond better to this, than harsh words. Through proper training, and lots of love, your puppy will grow up to be a well adjusted, sociable, happy and obedient dog. And you will be a proud owner.