Training a puppy is a time consuming and sometimes frustrating part of dog ownership that every dog owner must accomplish. Before basic obedience training can begin, we must focus on immediately correctible behaviors such as chewing and accidents on the carpet. Every dog trainer has a different method for housebreaking, crate training, and teaching pups not to jump or nip; many solutions exist to teach proper habits. Here are a few puppy training suggestions to get you started.
Oh the heartbreak of finding a piddle spot on your brand new woven rug! For some reason, puppies seem to navigate to your most prized possessions and find a way to tarnish them. Often when a puppy is not properly housetrained, he is sent to live in the backyard for the rest of his life. To make sure that your puppy grows into a dog that knows to go outside to relieve himself, begin housebreaking immediately when you bring your new puppy home. The best way to teach your pup to eliminate outside is to take him to the appropriate place frequently, and lavishly praise his behavior when he tinkles outdoors. This method takes a lot of time and attention initially, but is the quickest way overall to housebreak. Your pup will probably not be able to ‘hold it’ until six months of age, so be sure to take him out after naps, after meals, and after playing. He should be taken out every two to four hours. To add word association that will become a command, say ‘go potty,’ or ‘hurry up,’ as your dog begins to eliminate. He will soon learn to go on command, making trips outside on cold nights much more tolerable for you!
A puppy must also learn that he does not have rule over the entire household, but does have his own space: the crate. A crate can be the dog’s own secure place to relax, and may come in handy for trips to the vet, traveling, or keeping your pup out of trouble while you are away from home. To make the crate a good place to be, do not put your dog in it for punishment. Put him in with a toy or treat. Also, make the crate his feeding area. If he begins to cry while crated, ignore him as attention will only make the pup more inclined to bark and whine. To ensure good sleep for both you and your pup, place him in the crate in your bedroom at nighttime. Provide a padded, comfortable pillow for the pup to lie on, and maybe include a warm water bottle for him to snuggle with. Because he will be able to see you and hear you, he should be more comfortable and able to relax, finally drifting off into sleep. Later on in life, you will not have to teach your dog to stay off of your bed because he has already established a cozy spot to sleep.
Because puppies naturally roughhouse with littermates, your pup has the instinct to nip or bite during playtime. It is especially important to stop this behavior if you have small children in the home, as sharp puppy teeth may injure them. Redirect the nipping and chewing to a toy while you are petting your pup. This will keep his mouth busy while you give him attention. When he does bite you, loudly say “ouch” and immediately turn away. Ignore or leave the room until your puppy is calm. Your pup will soon learn that rough behavior means the end of playtime, and will become gentler to make sure your attention stays on him!
It is important to remember that slapping or hitting your pup is not a good way to create a strong bond with him. This behavior often backfires and makes a puppy fearful or hand-shy. It can lead to fear aggression which will become a dangerous problem later in life. Taking a gentle but firm approach to puppy training is a much more effective way to ensure success.
Though the first few days of puppy ownership may be the most trying, patience is extremely important. As the puppy grows (the time will fly!), he will learn house rules based on your guidance and training, and will modify his behavior to please you. With some basic puppy training suggestions, you can start of on the right path to having a well mannered pet.