10 Tips for Puppy Training Success
Puppies are undeniably adorable, but they also require proper training to become well-behaved companions. If you're a proud puppy parent or planning to bring home a furry friend soon, you'll want to ensure your training efforts yield amazing results. In this blog post, we're revealing the top 10 tips for success that will have you training like a Pro from day 1 with your dog and hopefully avoiding any mishaps along the way. Get ready to transform your playful pup into a superstar of obedience!
Puppy school: Enroll your pup in a puppy school or socialisation class. Not only will they learn important social skills, but it's also a great opportunity for you to connect with other puppy parents and share experiences. Puppies can join classes as soon as they have had both of their jabs. The sooner the better to get a good grounding and understanding of obedience and basic commands so they will be safe when out and about.
Treats Galore: Use tasty treats as a powerful motivator during training sessions. Opt for small, soft, and easily chewable treats that your puppy can enjoy without getting distracted. Treats are a key part of training any dog and finding the right treat that keeps your dogs focus is paramount to making a difference in their training. ''Good treats make a good dog'' is something i have always said to my students and rewards don't have to be edible! Toys can be a big part of training too!
Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training sessions. Consistency helps puppies understand expectations and promotes faster learning.
Keep it Short and Sweet: Keep training sessions brief and engaging, around 10-15 minutes per session. Puppies have short attention spans, so keeping it concise and fun ensures they stay focused and eager to learn.
Positive Reinforcement always Wins: Reward your pup with praise, treats, or playtime whenever they exhibit the desired behaviours. Positive reinforcement strengthens the connection between you and your furry friend and encourages them to repeat those behaviours again and again.
Be Patient and Persistent: Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a perfectly trained puppy. Stay patient, persistent, and consistent with your training efforts. It takes time for your pup to understand and respond to commands. Your puppy will throw ''tests'' your way which you will need to win. this could be not sitting on the first command when they have always done so, laying down on a walk. these little acts of defiance are them testing the waters to see what they can get away with. Perseverance is vital and if you have asked you pup to do something don't walk away without them completing that task.
Socialise, Socialise, Socialise: Expose your puppy to various people, animals, sounds, and environments early on. Socialisation helps prevent fear and aggression issues, making your pup more comfortable and well-adjusted in different situations. On the flip-side of this nervous pups may prefer to be kept away from other dogs, children and louder environments as these things can make them more nervous and anxious and express unwanted behaviours. Get to know your pup and see what they like. You cant force a dog to be sociable.
Redirect Undesirable Behaviour: Instead of scolding or punishing your puppy for undesirable behaviour, redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity or command. This teaches them what's acceptable and redirects their energy positively.
Use Clicker Training: Clicker training is a fantastic tool that pairs a clicking sound with treats to mark desired behaviours. The distinct sound helps puppies associate the behaviour with a reward, accelerating the learning process. I find this extremely useful even now when teaching my two dogs new tricks.
End on a Positive Note: Always conclude training sessions on a positive note, even if your puppy didn't grasp a particular command. Ending with success, even if it's a simple trick they've mastered, leaves your pup feeling accomplished and eager for the next session.
Conclusion: With these 10 tips for puppy training success, you're well-equipped to embark on an exciting training journey with your furry friend. Remember, training is an ongoing process, and with consistency, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement, your puppy will blossom into a well-behaved and cherished member of your family. So grab your treats, clicker, and get ready to unleash the full potential of your adorable puppy!
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