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Basic Puppy Training
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This is one of the most important things that your new puppy needs to learn. A dog who isn't properly house-trained is very difficult to live with and this problem is a contributing factor in many cases of dog abandonment. Get this piece of puppy training right and you'll be off to a flying start!
However, if you're half-hearted or inconsistent in enforcing your rules, you puppy will get confused and the whole process will be much more difficult and take longer.
Basic puppy training teaches your puppy good manners and makes him or her a better pet. With any kind of obedience training, the key things to remember are patience (yes, again), consistency and positive reinforcement (ie. lots of treats and praise).
Dogs are very intelligent and there's a huge range of commands (and even tricks) that you can teach your new puppy. For now we'll focus on what basic obedience training he needs to learn in order to become an enjoyable companion and family member.
- Learn his name
If you want to be able to get Fido's attention you first need to teach him his name. First do this by using his name whenever you talk to him, play with him, feed him etc. For example, tell him "Good boy Fido" when you're stroking him, or say "Here you are, Fido" when you give him his food. This will help him to realize that when you say the word 'Fido' it usually has something to do with him. - Recall or 'Come'
'Come' is one of the most important commands Fido will ever learn! For you it means you won't need to run all over the yard trying to catch him (a game which you'll never actually win by the way), but more importantly, it could quite possibly save your puppy's life some day. If Fido happens to escape through the front door while you're talking to a neighbor for example, "COME" could mean the difference between him slinking back inside or running out into oncoming traffic. - Sit
Teaching Fido to 'sit' on command is one of your easiest puppy training tasks. Most puppies take to this like ducks to water. First, get yourself a handful of treats then get Fido's attention. With him standing facing you, hold a treat in front of his nose (not close enough for him to grab it though) and then say "Sit" in a firm voice while slowly raising the treat up and away from you, as if to go over his head.Fido's puppy dog nose will attempt to follow the treat up and in response his rear will go down. As soon as his rump hits the floor, give him the treat and say "good sit". Let him get up and then try it again. When you're practicing any puppy training exercises, 3 or 4 repeats per session is usually enough for his short attention span,and 3 or 4 sessions per day is ideal.
Find our more about puppy training methods and techniques that will turn your puppy into a model student!
There's also a fairly new, but very simple and effective method of training your puppy. It's called 'clicker training'. It's not only simple and effective, but can be fun too.
Not only can you teach obedience commands when clicker training your puppy, but it's an easy way to teach all kinds of tricks and behaviors. Find out more and get started by clicking on any of the links below :-
Puppy Training Kit PLus
The Click That Teaches: Step-by-Step in Pictures
Bow Wow Dog Training Videos and DVDs
As well as the puppy training you do at home, there are several different options for formal obedience training. At the very least it's a good idea to take Fido to 'Puppy Class'. It will help you be sure you're doing things the right way, and is a great way to introduce Fido to other puppies in a safe environment.
It is important that you ensure Fido has had all the necessary shots before he starts puppy classes (most classes insist on this) for his protection as well as the protection of the other pups.
Find out more about puppy vaccinations and health issues by checking out our
Puppy Health
Socialization
No puppy training advice would be complete with mentioning the importance of socializing your pup. If you want to have a well-rounded puppy who is comfortable in any situation and can accompany you anywhere it's vital that you begin socialization as soon as possible.Socialization basically means getting your puppy used to different people, places and things. The more positive experiences Fido has the better.
Take your puppy with you whenever you can.Take him to the pet store when you buy his food; out in the car when you run errands (properly restrained and never leave him alone on an even slightly warm or sunny day); attend puppy classes, join a dog agility class etc.
Really, socialization opportunities are everywhere. There is one important thing to remember when practicing this particular aspect of puppy training, and that is to keep your precious puppy away from areas where un-vaccinated dogs may roam. Do not go to public parks, or rest-stops on the highway. Even at Petsmart it's not such a bad idea to put a blanket in the shopping cart and push Fido around. Little dogs can be carried everywhere and there are dozens of special doggie carriers to be found.Always remember to make each outing a pleasant experience for your puppy - puppy training should be fun (for both of you). Have strangers feed him treats (ones that you supply!), make a fuss of him when he is friendly but don't scold him if he's a little shy. He's just a baby and needs to get used to the big wide world. You will be rewarded for all your hard work by having a happy, friendly well adjusted dog that you can take anywhere.
Now you know the basics of puppy training and are ready to help Fido be all that he can be. Puppies are little sponges just waiting to soak up all that you teach them (good or bad) so make sure he learns the right stuff!
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How To Train A Puppy
Training A New Puppy Questions
Potty Training A Puppy
Potty Training Schedule
Crate Training
Puppy Clicker Training
Agility Dog Training & Equipment
Agility Dog Books
Dog Obedience Schools
Dog Training Books
Socialize Your Puppy
Puppy Socialization Checklist
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