Training Your New Puppy: From Housebreaking To Basic Commands
If you have recently adopted a new puppy, you might be wondering how to train them to be well-behaved and happy. Training your puppy is not only important for their safety and comfort but also for your peace of mind and enjoyment.
Here are some tips and advice on how to train your new puppy, from housebreaking to basic commands.
Housebreaking Your New Puppy
One of the first things you need to teach your new puppy is where to do their business. This can be challenging, especially if you live in an apartment or have a busy schedule. However, with patience and consistency, you can help your puppy learn to use a designated spot, whether it's a crate, a pad, or outside. The key to housebreaking your new puppy is to establish a routine and stick to it. You should take your puppy out to their spot as soon as they wake up, after they eat or drink, after playing, and before they go to bed.
You should also praise them and reward them with a treat or a toy when they do their business in the right place. This will reinforce the positive association and encourage them to repeat the behavior. On the other hand, you should avoid punishing or scolding your new puppy when they have an accident. This will only confuse them and make them fearful of you. Instead, you should calmly clean up the mess and take them to their spot again. You should also use an enzyme-based cleaner to remove any odor that might attract them to the same spot again.
Housebreaking your new puppy can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on their age, breed, and personality. You should be patient and consistent, remembering that accidents are normal and part of the learning process.
Teaching Your New Puppy Basic Commands
Another important aspect of training your new puppy is teaching them basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and down. These commands can help you communicate with your puppy and control their behavior in different situations.
The general steps for teaching your new puppy basic commands are:
- Show your puppy the treat or toy and say the command word.
- Lure your puppy into the desired position with the treat or toy. For example, if you want them to sit, move the treat above their head until they lower their bottom to the floor.
- As soon as your puppy is in the desired position, give them the treat or toy and praise them.
- Repeat the steps several times until your puppy learns to associate the command word with the action.
- Gradually reduce the use of treats or toys and rely more on verbal praise.
- Increase the difficulty by adding distractions, distance, and duration.
If you would like help training your new puppy, contact a dog training service in your local area.