Have you recently welcomed a new puppy into your home? That’s great news! Now that your little buddy has settled in, have you started to notice his penchant for chewing on things, like couch cushions and slippers? When this happens, a little dog training can go a long way towards keeping little Fido out of trouble and keeping your home intact. In recognition of Dog Training Education Month, here are a few pointers on how to train your pup.
Lead With “Pawsitive” Reinforcement
You want Fido to see training as a good experience, so when he does something wrong, try really hard not to yell at him. Instead, reward good behavior with treats and try to get him interested in other activities when he’s engaged in bad behaviors.
Establish House Rules
Before you bring little Fido home, decide what your new pup can and can’t do. Should he be allowed on the furniture? On the bed? Will he have the run of the house, or will certain areas be off-limits? Make these decisions beforehand. And once he arrives, always be consistent so he doesn’t get confused.
Train Your Pup to Come When Called
The command, “come,” should be the first thing your little pal learns. When training him, be sure to use his name. Also, don’t forget to praise him and get excited when he gets it right.
No Biting and Nipping
If your pup starts nipping or biting at your hand or leg, give him a bone or a chew toy as a replacement. You can also try interrupting the behavior and then ignoring him.
Discourage Jumping
Jumping up on people can quickly become a bad behavior that’s hard to break, so take steps to discourage it right away. A good way to stop this behavior is turning your back, and ignoring Fido, then praising him when he settles down is.
Give Fido His Own Space
Just like humans, dogs need their own space so make sure your little pup has his own private place to sleep, like a dog bed or a crate situated in a separate room. Establishing a comfortable sleeping area can also help with nighttime routines. For more tips on helping your puppy adjust to nighttime schedules, check out our article on Getting Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night.
Reward Good Behavior
Never forget to reward baby Fido for good behavior. You can do this with treats, toys, and lots of praise.
If you have more questions about dog training or need the name of a good trainer in your area, please feel free to contact us, your local animal clinic in West Greenwich, RI! We can help! Remember, a well-trained dog is also a healthy dog. As part of your puppy’s overall care, don’t forget to schedule regular check-ups with our Vet Wellness & Pet Vaccinations service to ensure your new furry friend stays happy and healthy throughout their training journey and beyond.
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