Where to Start With Puppy Training
There are so many issues and technical terms when you start thinking about training your new puppy.
There's puppy school, "potty" and house training, dog obedience, puppy socialization - there are so many things to think about, dog training (and even owning a dog) can be seen to be difficult and confusing.
But it doesn't need to be.
Like the Chinese proverb, a journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step - and so it is with dog training.
You need to get started, you need to know just a few important steps and you need patience.
Many dog owners choose to not train their dogs, and unfortunately this is not a great idea - for them, or the dog! Dogs need boundaries and as "people pleasers" they need to know how to behave so they can please you.
Not training them should not ever be an option.
So where do you start? Firstly, you'll need to teach your dog how to behave at home - especially with toilet training.
Secondly, you'll want to teach your dog the basic skills, so you can keep him/her under control when at home, and out in public.
The basic commands like "sit", "stay", "come", "leave it", "drop It" and so on.
Teaching the dog all of these things is not difficult, it just takes a little time and patience.
Remember, communication is the key - be clear and consistent, and provide consistent reward and praise when the dog has done the right thing.
Scolding the dog for doing the "wrong" thing is less effective, and certainly ineffective if done later - like scolding your dog after finding your new slippers completely chewed...
The dog will know you're upset, but will have no idea why! Where to get help Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you can find help.
Firstly, look at your local dog training schools.
You'll find these mostly by asking around where you bought the puppy, or at your local veterinary clinic.
Secondly, you'll already know some dog owners.
Chat to them about how they trained their dog, what worked, and what challenges they faced.
And finally - don't overlook the incredible depth of resources available to you on the web.
There's information, helpful tips and ideas, numerous blogs and of course there is a wide range of "how-to" ebooks and video products available.
Good luck with your new puppy and puppy training!
There's puppy school, "potty" and house training, dog obedience, puppy socialization - there are so many things to think about, dog training (and even owning a dog) can be seen to be difficult and confusing.
But it doesn't need to be.
Like the Chinese proverb, a journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step - and so it is with dog training.
You need to get started, you need to know just a few important steps and you need patience.
Many dog owners choose to not train their dogs, and unfortunately this is not a great idea - for them, or the dog! Dogs need boundaries and as "people pleasers" they need to know how to behave so they can please you.
Not training them should not ever be an option.
So where do you start? Firstly, you'll need to teach your dog how to behave at home - especially with toilet training.
Secondly, you'll want to teach your dog the basic skills, so you can keep him/her under control when at home, and out in public.
The basic commands like "sit", "stay", "come", "leave it", "drop It" and so on.
Teaching the dog all of these things is not difficult, it just takes a little time and patience.
Remember, communication is the key - be clear and consistent, and provide consistent reward and praise when the dog has done the right thing.
Scolding the dog for doing the "wrong" thing is less effective, and certainly ineffective if done later - like scolding your dog after finding your new slippers completely chewed...
The dog will know you're upset, but will have no idea why! Where to get help Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you can find help.
Firstly, look at your local dog training schools.
You'll find these mostly by asking around where you bought the puppy, or at your local veterinary clinic.
Secondly, you'll already know some dog owners.
Chat to them about how they trained their dog, what worked, and what challenges they faced.
And finally - don't overlook the incredible depth of resources available to you on the web.
There's information, helpful tips and ideas, numerous blogs and of course there is a wide range of "how-to" ebooks and video products available.
Good luck with your new puppy and puppy training!
