Puppies need to be made to feel at home before training can start in earnest
Many people believe that if they take their puppy to a training or socialisation class when they are still young they will end up with an obedient, perfectly behaved friend. It is not the case for all.
Puppy training starts when you first welcome your new dog in to your home. Think about it: removing a puppy from his or her litter and the mother who has raised him of here for the first eight weeks or so and suddenly introducing your new pet to a new home is a very traumatic experience.
Puppies need time to become accustomed to your home, to explore the new smells, sounds and sights. The urge is to cuddle and fuss your new friend but it is important not to overwhelm by giving constant attention.
The first night is the most frightening. For the previous two months or so your puppy has spent every night with his or her siblings and their mother. So suddenly being left alone in a strange environment is upsetting. It will help both of you can sleep nearby for the first night or so until your puppy has settled into the new environment.
Puppy toilet training
Toilet training is obviously a top priority for people who have a new puppy. Do not be confused. However strong the desire to have our dogs toilet outside do not try to do this by taking him outside straight away.
Give him or her time to have a good sniff around so he or she can become accustomed to the new surroundings. When he or she does her business give lots of praise and a small piece of food as a reward. It reinforces this as a positive experience.
While he or she is young, and until fully toilet trained, always reward when he or she toilets outside or in a designated spot (e.g. on a training pad). At all costs ignore the accidents in the home. Do not admonish your dog under any circumstances in this regard. Believe it or not this way will eventually teach him that going outside will attract praise and rewards – and that nothing is forthcoming if the wrong place is used!
Puppy classes?
The majority of people take their dogs to puppy classes. It is not always the best thing to do. Some dogs find the experience traumatic and frightening. Other dogs can be dominating and excitable. This can lead to the complete opposite of what you seek. Dogs can become traumatized and badly behaved and you really don’t need a dog that barks at every dog he or she sees and who cowers at anything unexpected.
Learning how to communicate with your young puppy is the best way for both of you as you will be interacting with him or her in ways he or she understands and the learning will be quicker in the home environment because the dog is happy and relaxed with nothing to distract and worry about.
The familiarization process
The familiarization process begins prior to your puppy being fully vaccinated. It is a good idea to carry your dog to areas with other people and dogs so he or she can become familiar with different smells sights and sounds.
You can then begin practicing walking with a lead in the house, teaching your puppy how you want him or her to walk, giving praise when he or she is calm and by your side. This means that when he or she has had all the vaccinations there will be mutual trust and respect you and will between you.
These tips are just a few things you can do to help your puppy adjust into his or her new life. You can learn from the professionals, who have designed a training programme for busy people than can be viewed on your phone, tablet or home computer. It will help you and your new friend have the best of lives together.
