Puppy Training Basics for New Puppy Owners

29 Oct Puppy Training Basics for New Puppy Owners

Posted at 17:49h in News by eoin

Start off on the right paw with your new puppy and teach them some basic training to start creating a healthy relationship with you and your pup!

Positive reinforcement is key to training your new puppy. Positive reinforcement is where your dog or puppy is rewarded for wanted behaviours. Positive reward training works because if you reward your dog with something he/she wants as soon as they do what you ask, they are far more likely to do it again. Rewards can be treats, praise, cuddles and more!

It is best to start training the minute you arrive home with your new puppy. Start with short training sessions so your puppy does not get bored or frustrated. Training should be fun for both you and your dog! Basic commandments will also help with toilet training.

Basic Commandments:

Sit
Stay
Lie Down
Come

How to teach a dog to sit

Stand in front of your dog with treats.
Hold the treat over your dogs head towards the tail
They will start sitting backwards the more you move the treat over the head and as soon as that bum hits the floor reward!
Do Repetitions of this action and practice each day.

How to teach your dog to stay

Stand in front of your dog with treats.
Ask them to sit. Reward.
Take one step back and say stay
Reward and praise
Take more steps each time and If your dog gets up repeat the process
Practice, practice, practice

How to teach your dog to lie down

Stand in front of your dog with treats
Ask them to sit and stay as previously learnt
Slowly lower the treat to the floor and their nose should follow
Use command down and reward when they reach the floor
Practice makes perfect

How to teach your dog to come

Go upstairs and call your dog
When they come to you use your commandment “come” and reward them
Play Hide & Seek and each time your dog finds you reward them using your commandment
Practice outside in the garden and in the house until your dog is consistent
Practice is key

Some dogs learn quicker than others and training can take some time, practice makes perfect. If you are finding it hard you can consider puppy classes. This is also great for socialising your puppy with other dogs and different people.