Whether it’s a new puppy or an old hound, training can become a tedious chore if done incorrectly. Many wives tales have foretold of the impossibilities for teaching older dogs new tricks, while horror stories abound of little pups gone awry. Luckily, it’s not necessary to resign yourself to a pooch that refuses to obey. Here are a few tips to help train your dog, young or old:
PUPPY TRAINING
The first rule to remember when bringing home a new puppy is that they are tiny little balls of endless energy that have little concept of what is appropriate and what isn’t. In this fact, caring for your new addition is similar to caring for a small, mobile child. They may not learn right away, but with love, patience and consistency, your new puppy will be trained in a matter of days.
PREPARE YOUR HOME by putting away any expensive or heirloom items that you would not want damaged. Items such as antique vases and imported rugs often act as a magnet for little canines that like to run and are not yet potty trained. Bear in mind that stowing these accessories is only temporary and that when your little dog is more docile, you may put the items back in their rightful places.
START CRATE TRAINING as soon as possible. Giving your puppy a safe place to stay while you’re away or asleep also helps in potty training. To make using the crate easier, here is what to do:
- Keep puppy food inside the crate. This will help your little one be less intimidated by the idea of being contained.
- Stay close by. This helps to assure your puppy that he or she will not be confined forever. If the puppies whining or fussing become too much of an annoyance to you, simply walk away for a few minutes, then return.
- Once puppy has adapted to its new container, you may then open the crate door and let them out. DO NOT let the puppy out if he or she is whining to get out. This only teaches the dog that throwing a fit will encourage release from the cage.
- Make sure to have your puppy go potty outside before putting him or her into the crate. This will help to eliminate the occurrence of accidents inside the crate and marks a good beginning to potty training.
POTTY, POTTY, POTTY! While potty training is the bane of new pet owners everywhere, there are ways to make the experience go a little smoother.
- In the initial stages of potty training, it is vital that a schedule be instituted for optimal success. A puppy should generally be taken out at least every two hours and subsequent to eating or sleeping.
- Take the puppy to the same pre-determined location every time he or she goes to the bathroom.
- When taking puppy out to potty, be sure to use explaining words such as “GO POTTY” to help your puppy identify what it is that he or she is doing.
- Each time your puppy does well in the potty training; always reward their behavior right away. Giving them a treat or words of praise will encourage further progress.
TEACHING PUPPY BASIC COMMANDS such as sit, come, or stay are obedience commands and should begin right away.
- Use short words and a solid tone.
- Be consistent in your requests and command frequently while your puppy is learning.
- Keep training session times limited to around 15 to 30 minutes each.
- Always reward your puppy when he or she does what was expected of them.
DOG TRAINING
Adult dog training is very similar to that of puppy training and is an important aspect of being a responsible dog owner. Proper training helps ensure the safety of those around your dog and promotes good relations between you and your dog. Here are some helpful hints in the training arena.
- To teach old dogs new tricks, you must first impress upon them the idea that you are the leader of the pack. Since canines are territorial and inherently pack driven, most adult dogs must feel that you are the alpha dog, or the dog that they must follow. To do this, speak in a firm tone, stand at full posture, and give the dog any command which he or she may understand.
- If your dog does not obey, do not hit or yell at them. This will only prove destructive and counterproductive to your efforts. Instead, end the training time and start again a little while later. If the dog then complies with the given command, always reward him or her.
- Always be consistent. Do not let a bad behavior slide one time and then discipline for it another. Use the same word for the same command each time as well.
Training your canine may seem like a daunting chore, but consistency and patience will be your best ally.
