How to train a puppy............ free puppy training tips and adviceLearning how to train a puppy is one of the most important tasks new puppy owners face, and that adorable little ball of fur that you've just added to your family can be a tiny whirlwind of energy and demands! It's important for you to teach your pup some basic rules and commands if you want to share a long and happy relationship. My goal is to help you show Fifi what you expect from her, and to teach you how to train your puppy so that he/she grows up to be a well-behaved member of the family. So, whether you're looking for advice on how to potty train a puppy, tips on crate training, or a step-by-step guide to help with basic puppy training commands ....you can find it all on this website.
Puppies are not all the same!This may sound obvious, but it's easy to assume that all puppies and dogs are the same - and of course they are in a very basic, biological way. BUT.. you need to remember that each individual dog breed was designed with a different purpose in mind, and they will act differently, 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 although there are many aspects and principles of dog training that are very standard and will work for almost any dog, your own pup is an individual and you will need to take some time to learn exactly how he behaves and responds. The variables are most likely to be how long it takes for your puppy to learn a particular command, how keen he is to learn, and how well he responds to your leadership. Training a puppy takes 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 if you stick with it and are consistent, 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 your new best friend.
Puppy training principlesThere's more than one method of puppy training, but the principles are the same.
If that sounds pretty simple, it's because it IS straightforward. Training a puppy isn't usually difficult, but it can be time consuming and test your patience. But you'll find that your little Fifi is very eager to please you, and that she'll try hard to do what you want. Puppies learn through repetition, but they have very short attention spans, so it's best to have several short training sessions every day (around 3 - 5 minutes each time for an 8 week old pup), rather than one long one. Otherwise, after a few minutes your puppy will get bored and start to lose interest and that's not what you want. Three of these sessions a day works well. Once your puppy has completed all her puppy shots you should enroll her in a local 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 pup. 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 your 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 it clear what you expect of her. 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. Never use any harsh or punitive methods, puppy training should always be a positive experience and using a rewards-based system gets the best results. Many puppies respond best to food type rewards, but some are more toy motivated, others only need some praise. As you learn more about your pup and how she learns, you'll discover what motivates her and makes her happy. And remember to 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.
How to train a puppy... 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 my Basic Puppy Training page, where I'll help put you on the right track...right now :) There's also a new, very popular and fun method of puppy training called 'dog clicker training'. It involves using a small, hand-held noisemaker to help your pup learn exactly what behavior it is that you want to see. This is called 'shaping' her behavior. To find out how to train your puppy using a clicker, check out my Puppy Clicker Training page. You can also see a selection of videos of puppies being taught some very basic lessons on my Dog Training Commands page - including a quick look at clicker training. If you feel the way I did when I got my first puppy, you're probably on the look out for a few really good books on dog training/puppy care/housetraining etc. You'll also find a selection of some of the best dog training books around, on my
Dog Training Books page.
His methods will help you understand how to train a puppy or dog in a way that he/she will understand. Learn all about charismatic guy on my Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer page, and/or click on the banner below to go to his really amazing (and very useful) website.... Learning how to train a puppy takes a little bit of time and effort, but it's a very important part of raising your puppy and you'll be rewarded for your patience and hard work 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? Basic Puppy Training New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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