Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting and joyous occasion, filled with potential and promise. The foundation you lay in those early days is crucial for developing a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. Here are the ten most important things to teach your puppy when you bring them home, all in a force-free, positive manner.
1. Name Recognition
Teaching your puppy their name is the first step to effective communication. Use positive reinforcement by saying their name in a cheerful tone and rewarding them with treats or affection when they respond.
Tips:
- Pair their name with a treat.
- Avoid using their name in a negative context.
2. House Training
Consistency and patience are key to house training. Take your puppy outside frequently and praise them lavishly when they eliminate outdoors. Teaching your puppy to toilet on command can be extremely helpful.
Tips:
- Create a Regular Schedule: Take your puppy outside at consistent times, such as after meals, playtime, and naps.
- Use a Designated Spot: Choose a specific area for toileting to help your puppy associate the spot with elimination.
- Choose a Command: Select a specific phrase like “Go potty” or “Do your business,” and use it every time you take your puppy to their designated toileting spot.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy with praise and treats immediately after they eliminate.
- Avoid Punishment: Do not punish your puppy for accidents. Instead, clean up accidents calmly and continue to encourage outdoor toileting.
3. Crate Training
A crate can become your puppy’s safe haven. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience with treats and toys.
Benefits:
- Helps with house training.
- Provides a safe space.
- Reduces anxiety.
4. Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come
Teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come is fundamental. Start with “sit,” using treats to lure them into the position, and gradually introduce “stay” and “come.”
Tips:
- Keep training sessions short and fun.
- Use high-value treats.
5. None of Your Business Training
None of Your Business Training is essential for helping your puppy navigate different environments and situations confidently. This training involves exposing your puppy to various settings, people, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner.
Tips:
- Ensure all interactions are positive.
- Introduce new experiences gradually.
For more detailed guidance on None of Your Business Training, visit our website at Fresh Start Dog Training.
6. Loose Lead Walking
Introduce your puppy to a leash and harness early, focusing on teaching them to walk beside you without pulling. Start in a low-distraction area, such as your garden or a quiet room indoors.
Tips:
- Positive Association: Begin by letting your puppy wear the harness and leash indoors without walking. Reward them with treats for staying calm.
- Short Sessions: Start with short training sessions, gradually increasing the duration as your puppy gets used to the leash.
- Reward-Based Training: Use treats to encourage your puppy to walk beside you. Hold a treat in your hand at your side, so they learn to stay close.
- Stop and Go: If your puppy starts to pull, stop walking and wait until they return to your side. Reward them when they do.
- Consistency: Practice regularly and be patient. Consistency is key to teaching loose lead walking.
7. Bite Inhibition
Puppies naturally use their mouths to explore. Teach them to control the force of their bites using gentle correction and redirection to appropriate chew toys.
Tips:
- Gentle Correction: When your puppy bites too hard, calmly say “no” and withdraw attention briefly.
- Redirection: Offer a toy instead of your hands or clothes.
- Three Strikes and You’re Out: If your puppy bites too hard three times in a session, calmly remove them to a playpen, crate, or another room for a short timeout to help them learn boundaries.
8. Handling and Grooming
Getting your puppy used to being handled is crucial for future grooming and veterinary visits. Start by gently touching their paws, ears, mouth, and tail, rewarding them with treats and praise for staying calm.
Tips:
- Gradual Introduction: Begin with short handling sessions, gradually increasing the time as your puppy becomes more comfortable.
- Positive Reinforcement: Pair handling with treats and praise. For example, touch their paw and immediately offer a treat.
- Desensitisation: Slowly introduce grooming tools such as brushes and nail clippers. Let your puppy sniff and investigate the tools before using them.
- Calm Environment: Ensure the environment is calm and quiet during handling and grooming sessions to reduce stress.
- Consistency: Regularly practice handling and grooming to reinforce positive experiences.
9. Alone Time
Teach your puppy to be comfortable being alone to prevent separation anxiety. Start with short periods and gradually increase the time.
Tips:
- Start Small: Begin by leaving your puppy alone for a few minutes while you are in another room. Gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.
- Safe Space: Create a safe and comfortable area for your puppy to stay when alone, such as a crate or a designated puppy-proof room.
- Chew Toys: Provide your puppy with safe chew toys or puzzle feeders to keep them occupied while you are away.
- Calm Departures and Arrivals: Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home. This helps your puppy stay calm and understand that being alone is normal.
- Practice Regularly: Incorporate alone time practice into your daily routine to help your puppy adjust.
10. Basic Manners
Teach your puppy to wait for things like food, doors, and greetings. This instills patience and prevents unwanted behaviours.
Tips:
- Use a “wait” command and reward them for compliance.
- Practice consistently.
Conclusion
A well-trained puppy grows into a well-mannered dog. By using force-free methods, you build a relationship based on trust and respect. At Fresh Start Dog Training, we specialise in positive, reward-based training techniques that promote healthy behaviours and a strong bond between you and your canine companion. Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are your best tools in raising a happy, healthy dog.
Christine’s Tips:
- Be patient and consistent.
- Celebrate small victories.
- Always end training sessions on a positive note.
By incorporating these essential training practices, you’re not only setting your puppy up for success but also creating a loving and respectful relationship that will last a lifetime. For more detailed guidance and personalised training plans, visit our website at Fresh Start Dog Training.