How to Train a Puppy Article

Jun 21

How to Train a Puppy

Are you an animal lover? Are you thinking about purchasing a pet for yourself and your family? If so, I would recommend buying a puppy. Puppies are great for children. They can grow together and become life-long buddies. If you have never owned a pet I would suggest researching how to maintain, feed, and care for a dog. Once you have purchased your puppy, you need to start thinking about training him.


Behavior

Training your puppy to be well behaved can be difficult at first. All puppies are rambunctious and mischievous. They are energetic and playful. This type of behavior is normal for all puppies but there are some behavioral problems you will want to watch for. Problems generally begin within the first 6 months of the puppy's life. One thing to watch for is Progressive Aggression which often happens while they are eating. It's not normal behavior and should not be ignored. By accepting this behavior, the puppy may later progress into a dominantly aggressive dog that can be dangerous. A simple way to test your puppy, and prevent any future problems, is to interrupt him while he's eating. If he becomes aggressive, take the food completely away until he calms down. Reward him with a treat if he does not become aggressive. Make sure to do this often to establish dominance over your pet.


Another thing to watch for is Separation Induced Behavior. This normally happens when the puppy is taken away from his mother or breeder to be sent to his new home. It usually takes place around bedtime on his first night at the new place. He will become hyper active, loud, and sometimes will howl. Another sign is uncontrollable urination. If this occurs do not try to punish your puppy but do not pet them and give them treats either. This will cause them to think they should behave like this often.

Potty Training Your Puppy

The first step is putting them on a leash to keep them close to you; that way, you can be aware of when they start sniffing the ground which is a sign that they need to go potty. If this happens pick them up and take them outside immediately. If they are successful at going potty make sure to comment so they know they did something correctly. Give them a treat as a reward. Make sure not to let them off the leash until they have finished pottying so they get into a habit of going when you take them outside. If you let them off the leash too early, they may want to play instead of pottying.

Your puppy will have accidents but DO NOT scold them or rub their nose in it. By isolating your puppy or swatting them you may cause them to have even more accidents and they may be afraid to go in front of you anymore. If you catch your puppy in the act of having an accident, pick them up quickly. They will stop going and try to get them outside as fast as possible. This will teach them that outside is the right place to go.

Remember that training your new puppy or dog will be challenging in the beginning but you will gain a best friend in exchange.