Bringing a new puppy into your life can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But puppyhood also presents many challenges, as puppies require extensive training and attention to grow into well-behaved, happy adult dogs. With a proactive approach to puppy training, you can ensure both your puppy, and you, are set up for the best success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top essential tips for navigating puppyhood and puppy training!
The Puppy Academy student: Lucy!
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TIP#1: Get An Early Start
The first few months of a puppy’s life are critical for establishing good habits and socialization. It’s important to start training as soon as possible – ideally, and as we recommend – as soon as you bring your new puppy home. This early training will set the tone for the long-term relationship you’ll have with your pup, while quickly building your bond together faster so they learn to naturally look to you as their leader and for continued guidance. Establish clear boundaries and start teaching your puppy the basics with obedience commands, such as Come and Sit.
TIP #2: Repetition and Consistency Are Key
Repetition and consistency are crucial when it comes to puppy training. Your puppy will learn best if you establish consistent routines and expectations, then practice and reinforce those over and over again. Consistency builds the expectation and repetition instills it. This includes everything from potty and feeding schedules, to the words you use for commands.
Training session during walk time with The Puppy Academy students: Coco & Mookie!
TIP #3: Reward to Reinforce Good Behavior
Puppies love to work for their food, toys, praise and affection. Whenever your puppy does something well, such as going potty outside or coming when called, offer praise and a food reward to help your puppy form positive associations with good behavior. Don’t scold or yell at your puppy or use their crate for punishment, as it can lead to fear, anxiety, and other behavioral issues down the road, as well as damage your relationship.
TIP #4: Be Patient and Have a Plan!
Puppy training is a long-term process, and it requires patience and a proper game plan. Knowing what to teach, when to teach it, and how to teach it properly and in a way that works for your pup will alleviate stress from you, while having your puppy learning and advancing quickly. “Winging it” won’t work, and constantly switching approaches and methods can be very confusing for a puppy. Working with a professional trainer (like us!) and following a program with a proven formula will go a long way in helping your puppy learn in the most effective way. Learn how we can help you with your puppy either at our Day School in Hermosa Beach, CA or our Online School!
TIP #5: Prioritize Socialization, Safely
Socialization is an essential part of puppy training. It involves exposing your puppy to other dogs, people and environments in a safe, controlled manner. Socialization helps your puppy become comfortable and build their confidence in the world around them, and it’s particularly important during the first few months of your puppy’s life. Quality of these socialization experiences are more important than the quantity, so make sure your puppy is getting the right type of positive interactions by being selective with the personality and energy of the other dog you’re introducing them to, as well as being mindful of the new environments you’re bringing them to.
Puppyhood and puppy training can be challenging but such a rewarding experience like no other! With starting early, being consistent, rewarding the positive, having a plan and incorporating early socialization, your puppy will be well on their way to growing into a happy, well-behaved adult dog that you can take anywhere with you. Above all, enjoy your new puppy and the incredible love and joy they will bring to your life for years to come!
Have more questions about creating a daily schedule for your puppy? Ask our trainers every Wednesday at 1pm on our Instagram @thepuppyacademy during our Ask A Puppy Trainer Show! All replays are posted afterward, and you can catch up on our last ones on our YouTube channel!
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