How to train a puppy the right way

Learning how to train your puppy isn`t just about knowing the right commands, or what type of tools or treats to use.

It`s also about:

• Teaching your puppy what you expect, and what is acceptable behavior
• Learning to communicate with, and trust, each other
• Understanding how your pup thinks and develops 
• Maintaining realistic expectations.

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Realize that all puppies are different

Basic puppy training principles

Make it fun!

Here are some simple rules that will help you train your puppy quickly and easily - and strengthen that special bond between you at the same time....

Rule #1 - Remember That All Puppies Are Different

This may sound obvious, but it`s easy to assume that all puppies and dogsare the same - and of course they are in a very basic, biological way.

BUT.. you need to remember that each individual dog breed was designedwith a different purpose in mind, and they will act differently, react differently and learn particular commands at different rates.

If you`re wondering exactly how to train yourpuppy, bear in mind that although the basic principles of training will work for almost any dog.....

.... your own little furball is an individual and you will need to take some time tolearn exactly how he behaves and responds.

The variables are most likely to be how long it takes for him to learn certain dog obedience commands, how keen he is to learn, and howwell he responds to your leadership.

It also helps if you and your pup speak the same language!

Dogs communicate mainly through body language and expression, humans are more verbal.

Once you learn how to understand your dog his lessons much more successful, and rewarding.

Training a puppy takes patience and commitment, from both you andyour pooch!

You will both be learning new skills and need to be patientwith each other. It won`t happen overnight, but if you stick with itand are consistent, it will happen.

Don`t worry if all this sounds a bitchallenging, it is..... but it`s also fun, and a great way to build andstrengthen the bond between you and your new best friend.

Rule #2 - Follow These Basic Puppy Training Principles

There`s more than one method of puppy training, but the principles are the same....

• Show your puppy the behavior you want


• Help him perform the required behavior


• Reward him when he`s successful

If that sounds pretty simple, it`s because it IS straightforward.

Whether it`s house training, crate training or obedience puppy, you`ll find that your pup is veryeager to please you, and that he`ll try hard to do what you want.... even though at first he will fail a lot of the time! Just remember that he`s a baby and be patient but consistent.

Puppies learn through repetition, but they have very shortattention spans, so it`s best to have several short training sessionsevery day (around 3 - 5 minutes each time for an 8 week old pup), ratherthan one long one.

Otherwise, after a few minutes your little one will get bored andstart to lose interest and that`s not what you want. Three of thesesessions a day works well.

Once your puppy has completed all his puppy shots you should enroll him in a local dog obedience training school.

You usually start with a `Puppy Class` where he`ll learn basicmanners and how to socialize and interact with other puppies of allshapes and sizes!

Attending formal obedience classes has many advantages for both you and your pup.

Socializing your pup properly is important if you want him to grow upto be a dog you can take anywhere, and the qualified instructors willhelp you to learn how to train your puppy in a way he`ll understand and respond to.

If you have any problems or questions there`s always someone there who can help you out and point you in the right direction.

Once you`ve completed your `Puppy Class` you can both move ontohigher level Obedience Classes and your local dog obedience trainingschool will most likely have several options. They may even offerclasses which lead to the Canine Good Citizen certification, agilityclasses, shutzhund training and more!

You`ll need to be patient, consistent and firm (but always loving).

Never punish your puppy if he doesn`t do exactly what you wanthim to, it`s up to you to make it clear what you expect.

Your pupis doing his best to please you, and if you`re not being successful,you may need to try another way of explaining what it is you want.

Never use any harsh or punitive methods, puppy training shouldalways be a positive experience and using a rewards-based system getsthe best results.

You might want to try clicker training as it`s a fun way to teach basic commands and even tricks.

Many puppies respond best to food type rewards, but some are moretoy motivated, others only need some praise.

As you learn more aboutyour pup and how he learns, you`ll discover what motivates him andmakes him happy.

And remember to always end a training session on a positive note(ie. when your pup has performed a perfect `sit` or come running when youcall his name). That way your puppy will associate treats and praisewith training, and be eager for his next lesson.

Any kind of physical punishment, even a raised voice is a no-nowhen training a puppy. You`ll only succeed in frightening him and thatwill lead to training difficulties and stress - for both of you.

Rule #3 - Have Fun!

Video: How to Train a Puppy

Training your puppy shouldn`t be a chore. The time you spend working with him, and the bond that is built up between you is priceless.

That little baby will grow into an adult dog before you know it, and the lessons you teach him now will stay with him for the rest of his life - be they the right ones or the wrong ones!

Approach puppy training with love, patience and a sense of humor, and make sure you take the time to teach your little one how to behave in a waythat will make him a joy to be around for the rest of his life.

I can promise you that the rewards are worth all the time and effort.

If you want to go beyond basic obedience, there are lots of other things you can do with your pup. 

Make him your jogging partner or your fishing companion, or get him involved in an activity such as agility, flyball, hunting, tracking and so on.

Video: 3 Ways to Teach your Dog How to Shake

If your pup excels at his lessons and loves people, why not talk to your instructor about training him to be a therapy dog?

The options are many and varied, have fun!

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