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How to train a puppyIf you're a new puppy parent, the question of how to train a puppy is probably one you'd really like an answer to!
That adorable little ball of fur can be a tiny whirlwind of energy and demands, and it's important that you teach her some basic rules and commands if you want to share a long and happy relationship. An untrained puppy grows up to be an untrained dog, and that can can most definitely be problematic- or worse. We're going to help you show Fifi what you expect of her, and how to ensure she grows up to be a well-behaved member of the family. Training a puppy is pretty straightforward once you know how - really!
The same, but different!Each individual dog breed was designed with a different purpose in mind, and they will react differently and learn particular commands at different rates.If you're wondering exactly how to train a puppy, your puppy, bear in mind that there are many aspects and principles of dog training that are very standard and will work for almost any dog. The variables are most likely to be how long it takes for your puppy to learn a particular command, how keen it is to learn, and how well it responds to your leadership. It's important to understand that learning how to train a puppy requires patience and commitment, from both you and your puppy! You will both be learning new skills and need to be patient with each other. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. Don't worry if all this 'how to train a puppy' stuff sounds a bit challenging, it is...but it's also fun, and a great way to build and strengthen the bond between you and little Fifi.
Puppy training principlesThere's more than one method of puppy training, but the principles are the same.
See, it's really pretty simple after all! You'll find that little Fifi is very eager to please you, and she'll try hard to do what you want. It's best to have several short training sessions every day, rather than one long one. After a few minutes your puppy will bet bored and start to lose interest and that's not what you want. You want her to enjoy these times, and be eager to work with you. 3 to 5 minutes is long enough for an 8 - 12 week old puppy, and three of these sessions a day works well. Once your puppy has completed her vaccinations you should enroll her in a dog obedience training school. You usually start with a 'Puppy Class' where she'll learn basic manners and how to socialize and interact with other puppies of all shapes and sizes! Attending dog obedience training schools has many advantages for both you and your furbaby. The socialization aspect is important if you want her to grow up to be a dog you can take anywhere, and the qualified instructors will help you to learn how to train a puppy in a way she'll understand and respond to. If you have any problems or questions there's always someone there who can help you out and point you in the right direction. Once you've completed your 'Puppy Class' you and little Fifi can move onto higher level Obedience Classes and your local dog obedience training school will most likely have several options. They may even offer classes which lead to the Canine Good Citizen certification, agility classes, shutzhund training and more! Whenever you're learning how to train a puppy, you'll need to be patient, consistent and firm (but always loving). Never punish your puppy if she doesn't do exactly what you want her to, it's up to you to make your wishes very clear. Your pup is doing her best to please you, and if you're not being successful, you may need to try another way of explaining what it is you want. Always end a training session on a positive note (ie. when Fifi has performed a perfect 'sit' or come running when you call her name). That way your puppy will associate treats and praise with training, and be eager for her next lesson. Any kind of physical punishment, even a raised voice is a no-no when training a puppy. You'll only succeed in frightening her and that will lead to training difficulties and stress - for both of you.
Ready...set...go!
Now you know how to train a puppy, you're ready to get started. To find out a bit more about Basic Obedience Training ('name recognition', 'sit' and 'come'), see our Basic Puppy Training page, where we'll help put you on the right track...right now :) There's also a new, very popular and fun method of puppy training called 'clicker training'. It involves using a small, hand-held noisemaker to communicate with your puppy. To find out how to train a puppy with this method go to our Puppy Clicker Training page See a Clicker Clips Video here or check out this great Puppy Training Kit PLus which will make the whole thing a breeze! Training is an important part of raising your puppy, and worth the effort and time involved. You'll be rewarded for your time and patience with a happy, well-adjusted and well-behaved dog who's a pleasure to live with.Now that's worth having, don't you think? You'll find a selection of some of the best dog training books (including personal reviews and a link where you can purchase the book/s of your choice from a secure site immediately), on our Dog Training Books page
. If you want to add some books on general puppy care, check out the selection on our
Dog Books
page too.
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