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Congratulations! You’ve got a new puppy. It’s a lot of fun to watch him run and play, and you don’t mind the fact that he is leaping up for attention or nibbling your fingers while you play with him. He doesn’t make very big messes, and he cries so much when you put him into his crate, that you let him right back out again.
None of these things are too hard to deal with when you’ve got a cute little shaver on your hands, but as the weeks pass, and your puppy gets bigger, all these little problems are magnified, until one day, you find yourself wondering what in the world possessed you when you decided to bring a puppy into your house!
The question is, when should you start training your puppy? What should you do? Let’s take a look at a few common dog training issues and address these problems before they start. Don’t worry – when you do it right, training your puppy is fun and easy for both of you!
Click here to discover how to train your dog like a professional trainer!
When to Start Potty Training and Crate Training
The first lesson your pup can start to learn (and one of the most important, I might add!) is where and when to go to the bathroom. Crate training is essential, and if you’re reluctant to try it, you shouldn’t be. Dogs are denning animals, and they feel safe inside their crates. Yes, your puppy will cry the first few times he is left alone, but once he realizes that his crate is his, and that he is comfortable and safe in there, he will be very happy to take naps in his bed.
How does this relate to potty training your dog? Puppies will not normally soil their bedding. Be sure your crate is the right size – it should be large enough for him to stretch out comfortably, stand up, and turn around, and no larger. Never feed or water your puppy in his crate – it is for sleeping.
When should I take him out? A very young puppy needs to defecate right after she eats, and she needs to urinate frequently, especially when she has had lots of water to drink, and if she has been playing.
Check with a dog trainer for more tips about crate training and potty training, or buy a good dog training book. The bottom line is this: your puppy needs a schedule, and he needs to know what to expect. The crate is not a tool for punishment. It is a safe space for your pup, and it can help you keep your sanity!
When to Start Basic Obedience Training
Your puppy is ready to learn some basics when she is about 8 weeks old – right when you bring her home! First, you want to have a routine, and you need to understand that dog training is based on behaviors the pup already does. Second, you want to be sure that the puppy is not getting mixed signals. Every member of the family needs to be on the same page, and kids who can’t follow this rule should not be allowed to interact with the puppy without close supervision.
Training at a young age is fun and involves baby steps. Say commands for things your puppy is already doing, as she does it. For instance, “Sit!” right when her behind hits the floor. Do this consistently, and your pup will soon be sitting on command. The same works for “Lie Down” and even for “Go Potty!”
As for advanced training, you will want to wait until your puppy has had all his vaccinations, and is cleared to socialize with other dogs. Start with puppy classes, do your homework, and always use positive reinforcement. Soon, you’ll have a well-mannered dog on your hands, and everyone will wonder where you got the magic touch!
Secrets to Dog Training will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer!
Remember, stop any problems before they start, and everyone will be happy. If you need help, contact a dog trainer – and for best results, do it before things get out of hand!
