Endless cuddles, playful nips, and those big, goofy eyes…
Yeah, puppies are adorable. But between the cute overload and the million pictures clogging your phone, there’s a whole other side to new dog ownership and that is : training.
What Happens When you don’t Train Your Pup ?
Puppies are adorable balls of energy, but without proper training, that energy can quickly turn destructive. Skipping puppy training might seem like an easy way out in the beginning. But trust us, it can lead to some not-so-fun consequences down the road:
- Destructive Chewing: Bored or untrained pups might take out their frustration on your furniture or shoes.
- Potty Accidents: Without a potty training routine, accidents become the norm, making housecleaning a nightmare.
- Jumping and Barking: Untrained pups might jump on people or bark excessively out of excitement or anxiety.
- Leash Pulling: Walks become a tug-of-war if your pup doesn’t understand leash manners.
Effective Training Strategies for New Puppy Owners
Here are some key training techniques to help new puppy owners like you train your dog and make it a well-behaved and happy member of the family.
1- Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Before your pup even sets paws in your house, prepare a safe environment. This means putting away anything you don’t want them to chew on, like rugs and electrical cords. Electronics are off-limits. Those phone chargers and laptop cords look like tasty spaghetti to a curious pup. Secure them with those handy cord covers (think colorful pipe cleaners!) or tuck them neatly behind furniture.
Pro tip: would be to invest in a power strip with an on/off switch so you can easily cut the power to everything at once.
Puppies love a good zoomie session, and those fluffy rugs can turn into a slip-and-slide disaster. If you can’t ditch them entirely, secure the corners with double-sided tape or rug grips. Here’s a fun alternative: create a special “play zone” with puppy-safe chew toys and a comfy bed.
2- Setting Boundaries with Chewing
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so chewing is natural. The key is to teach them what’s appropriate to chew on. And if you don’t want your pup to chomp on, like shoes, needs to be banished to high shelves or behind closed doors. Remember, what’s out of sight is out of teeth (hopefully!). Keep an eye out for tempting temptations on coffee tables and countertops. Move those TV remotes and anything else that could end up a chewed-up mess.
Discourage chewing on anything other than their toys. When they start gnawing on something off-limits, firmly say “no” and replace it with a chew toy. Praise them for choosing the right item!
3- Teaching Impulse Control with Sitting
Training your puppy to sit is a foundation for many other behaviors. Here’s how to get started:
- Get their attention with a treat held above their head.
- As you slowly move the treat backward, their body will naturally follow, causing them to sit.
- The moment their bottom touches the ground, say “sit” and reward them with the treat.
- Practice regularly, gradually adding distractions to test their focus.
Once your pup has mastered sitting, incorporate it into everyday routines. For example, make them sit before exiting through any door. This helps prevent a mad dash for freedom whenever the door opens.
4- Making Training a Safe Haven, Not a Punishment
Crate training offers many benefits, including potty training and preventing destructive chewing during your absence. The crate should be a safe and comfortable space, not a punishment zone.
Here are some tips for successful crate training:
- Positive Association: Make the crate a happy place by feeding meals and offering treats inside.
- Start Slow: Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate.
- Never use the crate as punishment.
5- Curbing Cute Annoyances Before They Start
Puppies are undeniably adorable, but some behaviors become problematic as they grow. Don’t wait until those cute barks and playful jumps turn into unwelcome habits in a grown dog.
- No Barking Allowed: Discourage excessive barking with firm corrections and redirection.
- Taming the Jumping Jack: Don’t give your puppy attention when they jump – turn away or walk away until all four paws are on the ground.
6- Keeping Your Pup Happy and Stimulated
A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy! Provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Spoil Them with Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys to keep them occupied.
- Exercise is Key: Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions help burn off energy and keep your pup mentally stimulated.
- Peanut Butter Power: Spread some peanut butter on a chew toy to keep them focused and happy.
7- Teaching Your Pup to Come When Called
A reliable recall is essential for a safe and enjoyable life with your dog. Here’s the key:
- Don’t chase! Chasing can turn into a fun game for your puppy, making them less likely to come when called.
- Reward, not Punish! If your dog escapes, call them back enthusiastically and reward them with treats or praise when they return.
- Punishment Only During the Act: If you must catch them by the collar, any correction should happen immediately, not later when they come back.
Remember: Consistent training with positive reinforcement is key to a successful recall.
Note: If you’re interested in reading interesting stories about dogs, you can read them on our dogtales page.
