When you bring a puppy into your family, you should start with some basic training. You can then teach them how to behave and help prevent undesirable behaviours from developing. Training with rewards is also enjoyable and will aid in the development of a positive bond between you and your new puppy. Begin at home, and once they've mastered the fundamentals, take them outside.
Taking the time to train your dog in basic skills will benefit you both in a variety of situations. Most importantly, keep them safe on walks and outings.
To get you started, here are 10 top tips:
- First, try it without your puppy to ensure your understanding and avoid confusing them.
- Make sure the training is done in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Before you begin, make sure your dog has been to the toilet
- Only use positive reinforcement - reward with praise or a tasty treat, and vary what you use to keep your dog interested.
- Show your dog what you want them to do rather than physically forcing them to do it.
- Use breakfast/lunch/dinner as an ideal training time.
- Keep training sessions brief (five to ten minutes at a time) and focused on one behaviour before concluding with a fun game.
- Keep track of your progress – you could film it or write it down.
- Please be patient, stay calm and consistent. If the puppy is having difficulty, stop, go back a step, and proceed more slowly the next time.
- Have fun and enjoy yourself; if you aren't, pick it up another day.
Keep your training Fun, Positive and Easy and you'll have great success with your dog
