Tips for Puppy Training

When you finally find the adorable, cuddly puppy that is perfect for you, the puppy can fill that special niche in your heart for a companion. The puppy senses your love and returns it with all those charming puppy endearments. However, puppies are like any young creatures and require guidance and training to ensure they behave properly. Are you prepared to spend the time needed to train a puppy to live in your house and follow your rules? Remember, the puppy has instincts that will have to be guided if it is to learn how to follow what behavior you expect.

The earlier you start training your puppy, the more effective and efficient the process becomes. The time you spend early on will be paid back many times over as the puppy matures. Early puppy behavioral challenges will include house training, barking, chewing items like furniture, and knowing where to sleep.

The first rule of puppy house training is to only apply punishment when you catch the puppy in the act. They need to connect the punishment with their action, and punishing them after the deed has been done will have little to no effect. Rule two is to connect praise with the appropriate actions you want your puppy to follow. The use of pretreated pads to begin with works well. Place the puppy on the pad whenever you sense something is about to happen. When the puppy uses the pad, be sure to give it plenty of praise. Slowly move the pads closer to the door and then outside to complete the potty training.

The use of a crate for inside dogs is recommended. The crate becomes the puppy’s personal space for sleeping or for being placed when it cannot be watched closely. The crate should be just large enough to be a bed for the puppy, but small enough not to be seen only as a play area.