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Puppy Training

Puppy Training a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding, albeit sometimes challenging, experience!

The key to success is consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do and what not to do:

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puppy training

What To Do

  • Start Immediately and Be Consistent
  • Use Positive Reinforcement
  • Manage the Environment
  • Be Patient and Understanding
  • Prioritise Health and Well-being
  • Seek Professional Help When Needed

More detail…

What Not To Do

  • Don't Use Punishment (Especially Physical)
  • Don't Be Inconsistent
  • Don't Punsih Past Mistakes
  • Don't Expect Too Much Too Soon
  • Don't Neglect Socialisation
  • Don't isolate or Neglect

More detail…

dog jumping
Need Professional Help?

The Advantages of Professional Help for Puppy Training

New dog owners unsure about puppy training or other owners   struggling with persistent dog jumping,  barking, leash pulling, or furniture destruction typically turn to traditional obedience training, only to find their pets still misbehaving weeks later.

A growing body of research suggests the problem isn’t disobedience but boredom, with under-stimulated canine brains creating behavioural chaos.

That’s where Brain Training comes in

What to Do in Puppy Training:

1. Start Immediately With Puppy Training and Be Consistent:

Puppy training is not easy and requires a lot of patience on your behalf as well as calm techniques. Start early with puppy training to establish a consistent pattern.

  • Socialisation: Expose your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and other well-behaved, vaccinated dogs from a young age (after their vet clears them). This is crucial for preventing fear and aggression later. Aim for positive experiences.
  • Potty Training: Establish a regular potty schedule: first thing in the morning, after waking from naps, after eating/drinking, and before bedtime. Take them to the designated potty spot and praise/reward them immediately when they go.
  • Crate Training: Introduce the crate as a safe den, not a punishment. Make it comfortable with soft bedding. Feed meals in the crate, toss treats inside, and gradually increase the time they spend in it.
  • Basic Obedience: Start with simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, toys) and short, frequent training sessions.
  • Lead Training: Get your puppy comfortable with a collar/harness and leash indoors before venturing outside. Make it a positive experience with praise and treats.
  • Establish Routine: Puppies thrive on predictability. Stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, play, training, and sleep.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement:

  • Reward Good Behaviour: Immediately lavish praise, high-value treats (small, tasty, and special), or enthusiastic play when your puppy does something right (e.g., goes potty outside, sits when asked, walks nicely on lead/leash).
  • Clicker Training (Optional but Recommended): A clicker can be a very effective tool. The click marks the exact moment the desired behaviuor occurs, followed by a reward. It helps puppies understand precisely what they’re being rewarded for.
  • Keep it Fun: Training should be an enjoyable activity for both you and your puppy. Use an upbeat tone of voice and celebrate small victories.

3. Manage the Environment:

  • Puppy-Proof Your Home: Get down on your puppy’s level and identify potential hazards. Remove or secure anything they might chew on or ingest. This includes electrical cords, toxic plants, medications, cleaning supplies, and small objects.
  • Supervise Closely: Especially in the early stages, keep a close eye on your puppy. This allows you to interrupt unwanted behaviours and redirect them to something appropriate.
  • Use Gates and Crates: When you can’t actively supervise, use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas or crate your puppy.

4. Be Patient and Understanding:

  • Puppies Have Accidents: Potty training takes time. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Clean up accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odours that might attract them back to the same spot.
  • Chewing is Normal: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and redirect them when they chew on something they shouldn’t.
  • They’re Still Learning: Your puppy doesn’t understand human language or expectations innately. It takes time and repetition for them to learn.
  • Consider Their Age and Breed: Some breeds are naturally more independent or stubborn, while others are eager to please. Adjust your training approach accordingly.

5. Prioritise Health and Well-being:

  • Vet Visits: Schedule regular check-ups for vaccinations, de-worming, and general health assessments. Discuss your training plan with your vet.
  • Proper Nutrition: Feed your puppy high-quality puppy food appropriate for their age, size, and breed.
  • Adequate Sleep: Puppies need a lot of sleep. Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable place to rest.

6. Seek Professional Puppy Training Help When Needed:

  • Puppy Classes: These are excellent for socialisation and learning basic commands in a controlled environment.
  • Professional Trainer/Behaviourist: If you’re struggling with specific issues (e.g., excessive barking, aggression, separation anxiety), don’t hesitate to consult a certified professional.
Check out Brain Training For Dogs
puppy training

 What NOT to Do In Puppy Training:

1. Don’t Use Punishment (Especially Physical):

* No Hitting, Scolding, or Physical Force: This can create fear, anxiety, aggression, and damage your bond with your puppy. They won’t understand *why* they’re being punished, only that you are a source of fear.
* Avoid Scaring Tactics: Don’t make loud noises or use spray bottles to reprimand them. These methods are counterproductive.
* Don’t Hold Their Nose in Accidents: This is ineffective and cruel. It only teaches them to fear you and hide their accidents.

2. Don’t Be Inconsistent:

* Conflicting Rules: If one person allows them on the couch and another doesn’t, they’ll be confused. Ensure everyone in the household is on the same page with rules and commands.
* Varying Expectations: Don’t expect them to sit for one person but not another if you haven’t trained them to do so with everyone.

3. Don’t Punish Past Mistakes:

* They Live in the Moment: If you find a potty accident 20 minutes later, your puppy won’t connect your reprimand to the event. Focus on correcting *current* behaviors and reinforcing *desired* ones.

4. Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon:

* Puppies are Babies: They have short attention spans and are still developing. Be realistic about what you can expect from them at different stages of their development.
* Don’t Over-Train: Long, frustrating training sessions can backfire. Keep them short, fun, and frequent.

5. Don’t Neglect Socialisation:

* Fearful Adults: A poorly socialised puppy can grow into a fearful or aggressive adult dog, which is much harder to manage and can be dangerous.

6. Don’t Isolate or Neglect:

* Separation Anxiety: Leaving your puppy alone for extended periods too soon can lead to destructive behavior and separation anxiety.
* Lack of Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Bored puppies are often destructive puppies. Ensure they get enough physical and mental engagement.

7. Don’t Use Their Crate as a Punishment:

* Destroying the Safe Space: If the crate is associated with punishment or being left alone for too long, they will come to resent it.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:

* Ignoring Problems: Small behavioural issues can escalate if not addressed early on. Seek professional guidance if you’re out of your depth.

Key Takeaway:

Puppy Training is a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on positive reinforcement, consistency, patience, and understanding, you’ll build a strong bond with your puppy and set them up for a happy, well-behaved life.

Enjoy the journey – they grow up so fast!

dog jumping
Need Professional Help?

The Advantages of Professional Help for Puppy Training

New dog owners unsure about puppy training or other owners   struggling with persistent dog jumping,  barking, leash pulling, or furniture destruction typically turn to traditional obedience training, only to find their pets still misbehaving weeks later.

A growing body of research suggests the problem isn’t disobedience but boredom, with under-stimulated canine brains creating behavioural chaos.

That’s where Brain Training comes in