Adding a furry friend to your household is an exciting event but you should get yourself ready in training a new puppy. The goal is to instill good habits into your pet. This should also be a good foundation in establishing a loving relationship with your pup. A complete puppy training at home can take about four to six months. That is why you have to be consistent and patient in training your small, four-legged friend. Start your puppy’s training today by getting tips from this article.
Essentials for Training a New Puppy
We all know how puppies can be so adorable. However, the challenge is in getting it trained. Training a new puppy is not that easy. Puppies bark constantly, may take a piss near your sofa, and a lot more challenges come with them. Training is important, not just to make things in your house orderly but also to set you up for a great relationship with your pup. Here are some of the basic things you should include when you train them:
Using a Crate
The trick to help puppies settle in their new homes is through crate training. Crates give puppies their own space. Without crates, puppies may get bored, roam around your house, and end up ripping off or biting things they should not. Just like humans, puppies like their own spaces clean. That is why crate training also teaches puppies how to control their bladder and bowel muscles. This makes them learn to anticipate bathroom breaks and bedtime. A simple way of crate training is to give them treats whenever they go into their crates or directly feed them from their crates.
Potty Training
One of the most important steps in puppy training at home is teaching them about bathroom rules. The recommended age to start potty training is 12 to 16 weeks old. Teaching them early on their age prevents a lot of behavior problems in the long run. As soon as you get your pup, start them on potty training right away. Set them up in a routine where they can familiarize themselves with bathroom breaks. It can be when you wake up, after meals, when it wakes up from its nap, after playtime, before you leave home, and before bed.
You can also teach them to bark, ring a bell, or simply stand by the door whenever they need to go. Set a secluded area in your backyard or elsewhere at your home where your pup can do its business. Make sure to also find a distraction-free spot when you and your puppy are out. Don’t forget to give treats to your puppy every time they eliminate in appropriate areas.
Walking on a Leash
Expect that puppies will have a hard time walking easily on a leash. But this is important in training a new puppy as you will have to take it out eventually. Without leash training, your pup may strain against their leash and may result in aggressive behavior. You, on the other hand, may also struggle in controlling your puppy and end up frustrated.
For your peace of mind, you can start your puppy on a leash training as early as four to six weeks old. Slowly introduce the leash to your puppy by letting them sniff the leash itself and offering treats afterward. Put the harness on briefly and let them walk around the house dragging it. Once it is comfortable with the leash, try walking together indoors first and then eventually in other environments.
Socializing Skills
A critical step in a puppy’s development is teaching them how to socialize. Well-socialized dogs are friendlier and do not exhibit aggression. They are also easier to handle so it’s better to start building socializing skills while they are still puppies. There are a variety of strategies you can use to safely socialize your pup. You can invite people over at home or bring it along when you visit a friend. Meet up with friends who also own friendly dogs so your puppy can socialize with them.
Begin Your Puppy Training Journey
House training puppies is never easy. However, this is a rewarding task as it makes your pup independent, at the same time, friendly and obedient. As a pet parent, training a new puppy is your responsibility that is beneficial not only for the dog’s welfare but also for the peace and safety of everything in your household.