Best Way To Train A Puppy

Getting a new puppy home can be very exciting, but it can also be very nerve-wracking, for you and your puppy. If this is the case you may well be wondering what is the best way to train a puppy! Especially so if you have never raised a puppy before.

Although time-consuming, puppy obedience training is one of the most important and rewarding parts of dog ownership. With this in mind, there are simple steps you can take to make the most of the time spent training your puppy and maximize their retention.

Click here for The Ultimate Puppy Training Course A great course for overexcited puppies – five exercises to calm your puppy and leave them ready for training.

KISS – Keep It Slow And Keep It Simple

You will find that the best way, the easiest way, to train a puppy is to take it slow. This reduces your stress levels as well as that of your puppy. Don’t try to rush your training and don’t try to do too much. Keep things simple.

As tempting as it may be to jump right into impressive party tricks, give your puppy time to master basic commands before moving on. Simple commands like sit (which we cover below), stay and come build a solid foundation for learning for both you and your puppy.

Many owners make the mistake of making puppy obedience training sessions too long, or too short. The ideal time spent on training each day is 15 minutes. This can be split up throughout the day into five-minute blocks. Remember – you want your puppy to understand commands in all areas, so consider having each training block in a different room at home.

Clear, Consistent, Repetitive Commands

During puppy obedience training you are opening up communication between you and your dog, so make sure you know what you want to say! The best way to make sure your puppy is able to understand what you are teaching is to give short, clear commands.

When teaching your puppy a new trick or behaviour pick a clear command and make sure this is used every time you want a behaviour performed.

Best Way To Train A Puppy Is…

Positive reinforcement training is the most effective tool in training. This technique should be used from when you first learn how to train your puppy.

As frustrating as a mischevious puppy can sometimes be,
refrain from yelling at or punishing your puppy,!

Puppies have an inherent desire to please – in fact, studies have shown that dogs feel greater enjoyment when eating treats they have earned.

If your puppy performs the correct behaviour reward them within 3 seconds to make sure they associate the reward with the behaviour. This reward can be praise, pats, a food treat or all three!

Rewarding your pet reinforces that they have done the right thing.

Sit! It’s Time To Get Started…

“Sit” is one of the most basic, yet most important commands you can teach your puppy. This is the perfect starting point to practice how to train your puppy.

• Set your puppy up for success by starting in an area with few distractions
• Choose a clear, short command that will be used EVERY time the behaviour is required such as “Sit”
• Ensure you have your puppy’s attention and are in arm’s reach
• Stand in front of your puppy
• Clearly, say the command and hold the treat in front of your pup’s nose
• Slowly raise your hand. As your puppy follows the treat their bottom should naturally lower, if needed use your other hand to gently encourage them into a full sitting position
• Once your puppy is sitting lavish them with praise and offer the treat.
• Repeat daily!

Once this command has been perfected you can use this same technique to teach your puppy new skills.

Training Tips For The Day

Knowing the best way to train a puppy is vital to open communication between you and your pup, bond and provide your dog with the manners and tools they need in life.

Remember –

• Take things slow
• Keep training sessions short and distraction free
• Give clear and consistent commands
• Have fun, reward your puppy and enjoy the time together!

Owning a dog is a huge commitment, it’s up there with spouses and children. Most, if not all dog behavioral issues are the result of owners not knowing the best way to train a puppy. And, untrained puppies grow into unruly dogs.

Click here for The Ultimate Puppy Training Course A great course for overexcited puppies – five exercises to calm your puppy and leave them ready for training.