Training Your Puppy

By Admin • November 22, 2024

Starting with Love and Patience

Training a puppy is a heartwarming journey that deepens your bond and sets them up for a well-mannered life. Begin with basic commands—sit, stay, and come—using positive reinforcement like tiny chicken treats, a warm “good girl!” or a playful tug with their favorite squeaky toy to keep them engaged. Start at 8-12 weeks, when their minds are eager to learn, limiting sessions to 5-10 minutes to match their focus and avoid frustration. Consistency is your best tool; use the same words like “sit” and a raised hand signal daily, making it a joyful routine after morning walks or meals.

Building Good Habits

House training thrives on routine—take them out after meals, play, or naps, celebrating success with a treat and a cheerful “well done!” to reinforce the behavior. Socialization from 3-14 weeks is critical, introducing them to people, other dogs, and new places like a park or busy street to build confidence and ease future fears of strangers. Present a crate as a cozy den with a soft blanket, using it for potty training but never as punishment to preserve trust and avoid anxiety. Curb chewing with durable toys, redirecting with a firm “no” and a toy swap to teach boundaries kindly. Patience is vital; accidents are part of learning, so skip scolding—focus on praise with a smile. Consider a puppy class for structured fun and peer interaction. For more, explore training resources and dog care for a happy, obedient pup.