Over two million dogs are adopted from shelters each year. It’s true! And with so many wonderful breeds available, it’s easy to go out and get a new puppy or rescued pooch when you’ve always wanted one.
Training your dog could be a lot of fun or not so much. Either way, there are tons of things you must learn first so you can help your dog overcome any bad behavior.
Learn the first five dog training tips to control your new pooch today. Remember, these practical tips will help you no matter where you’re at in your training journey.
1. Housebreaking Your Puppy
Start with the basics – sit, stay, come, down, and off. These commands will give you a good foundation to work with and will come in handy in many situations.
Learn to be patient. Dogs learn at their own pace and it takes time and patience to train them properly.
Use positive reinforcement. Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement such as treats, verbal praise, and petting.
2. Crate Training
Start with short periods in the crate. Let your dog get used to being in there before you start leaving them for longer periods.
Make sure the crate is comfortable and inviting, just like the ones they use in veterinary dog boarding. Put on a soft blanket and some of your dog’s favorite toys.
Never use the crate as a punishment. This will only make your dog fear it and make the training process much harder.
If you tell your dog to stay in the crate, make sure you follow through and don’t let them out until they’ve stayed calm for the entire time. Crate training takes time and patience. But if you stick with it, you’ll have a well-trained dog that knows how to use its crate effectively.
3. Obedience Training
Your dog needs to learn how to interact with other animals and people. The younger they are, the easier it will be. Potty training is a must.
No one wants to deal with accidents in the house, so be sure to start teaching your pup where and when it’s appropriate to relieve themselves. A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is a good dog.
Be sure to teach your dog basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Leash training is also important. You don’t want your dog running off every time you take them for a walk, so be sure to teach them how to walk calmly on a leash.
4. Dealing With Puppy Biting
The earlier you start training your puppy not to bite, the better. Consistency is key when it comes to training. If you’re not consistent, your puppy won’t know what is and is not acceptable behavior.
Reward your puppy when they display desirable behavior. This will help them learn that this is the type of behavior you want to see.
If you’re struggling to stop your puppy from biting, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer for help.
5. Common Dog Training Mistakes
Do not use physical punishment and yelling to train your dog. Punishment will only make your dog fearful and less likely to obey you.
Be consistent with your commands. Dogs will not respond if they are confused about what you want from them.
Have Fun With These Dog Training Tips
Training should be enjoyable for both you and your dog, so make sure to keep it fun and rewarding for both of you. Just follow these dog training tips and you will be one step closer to a healthy relationship with your dog.
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