Has anyone recently adopted a puppy? That’s incredible news! Have you started to notice his penchant for chewing on things, like slippers and couch cushions now that little Fido has settled in? When this happens, a little dog training can go a long way towards keeping your home intact and keeping little Fido out of trouble. In recognition of Dog Training Education Month, here are a few pointers on how to train your new puppy.
Lead With “Pawsitive” Reinforcement
When Fido does something wrong, you want him to view training as a good experience. Yelling at him doesn’t accomplish this. Instead, try to redirect him towards other activities when he’s doing something wrong, and reward good behavior with treats.
Establish House Rules
Decide what your new pup can and can’t do before you bring him home. Will he be allowed in any room of the house, or will certain areas be off-limits? Should he be allowed on the bed? On the furniture? Make these decisions before you bring your new puppy home. And once he arrives, always be consistent so he doesn’t get confused.
Train Your Pup to Come When Called
The command, “come” should be the first thing little Fido learns. Be sure to use his name when training him. Also, don’t forget to get excited and praise him when he gets it right.
No Biting and Nipping
If your pup starts nipping or biting at your hand or leg, try giving him a chew toy or a bone as a replacement. You can also try interrupting the behavior and then ignoring him.
Discourage Jumping
Jumping up on you or anyone else can soon become a bad behavior that’s hard to break, so you’ll need to discourage it right away. Turn your back and ignore the behavior, then praise Fido when he settles down. This is one good way to stop the behavior.
Give Fido His Own Space
Much like humans, dogs need their own space so make sure your little pup has his own private place to sleep, like a crate or a dog bed that’s in a separate room. This space can also be useful for managing other aspects of dog care, such as grooming. If you’re dealing with a lot of dog hair around your home, check out our article on What to Do About Your Dog’s Excessive Shedding for some helpful tips.
Reward Good Behavior
Always, always reward little Fido for good behavior. You can do this with treats, toys, and plenty of praise.
If you have more questions about dog training or need the name of a good trainer in your area, feel free to contact us, your local animal clinic in Waterdown, ON. We can help! Our comprehensive Veterinary Services include not only health care but also advice on training and behavior to ensure your new puppy grows into a well-behaved and healthy adult dog.
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