The moment of bringing home a new puppy is thrilling, but it also carries responsibility.
Training your new puppy
Your pet's training is one of the most crucial duties. Rewarding positive behaviour is the main goal of the very successful technique known as positive reinforcement training. By using this method, you and your puppy develop a close relationship that makes training fun for both of you. There are lots of different ways and areas to train your new puppy on, and we’ll cover a few here!
Understanding positive reinforcement
The process of rewarding your puppy for desired behaviours is known as positive reinforcement. You give your puppy praise, treats, or playtime when they do something you want them to do. This encourages them to repeat the behaviour by establishing a favourable association between it and the reward.
Key principles of positive reinforcement training
Following these key principles will help you apply positive reinforcement training successfully and build a solid, wholesome relationship with your puppy:
- Timing is key: As soon as your puppy exhibits the desired behaviour, give them a reward. This aids in their comprehension of the relationship between their behaviour and the benefit.
- Use high-value rewards: Give your dog treats that are too good to refuse. The training sessions will be more successful as a result.
- Be consistent and patient: Training requires patience and time. Make sure your reward system and cues are consistent.
- Keep training fun and brief: Frequent, brief training sessions are more successful than lengthy, exhausting ones. Keep the mood light-hearted and upbeat.
- Avoid punishment: The training process might be hampered by punishment, which can cause dread and anxiety. Instead, concentrate on positive reinforcement.
Top tips for training your new puppy
Start training early
As soon as you get your puppy home, start training them. Early training creates positive behaviours right away.
House training
- Create a routine: At regular times, like after meals, naps, and playtime, take your puppy outside to relieve themselves.
- Employ positive reinforcement: Give your pet a treat when they relieve themselves outside.
- Be consistent and patient: Mistakes may occur but maintain composure and refrain from shouting at them.
- Handle mishaps correctly: To get rid of any smell that can draw your dog to the same area, use a strong yet dog-friendly cleaner.
Basic obedience commands
You should begin by teaching your puppy basic obedience instructions such as "sit," "stay," "come," and "down."
Say "sit," gently guiding your puppy down into a seating position, while holding a reward above their head to teach them the . When they sit, give them a reward. After they are at ease with "sit," introduce the "stay" command by extending your hand, saying "stay," and then taking a gradual step back. Reward them for staying in place.
To teach "come," call your puppy's name with enthusiasm and a high-value treat. When they approach you, give them a reward. In order to teach your puppy to "down," say "down" and give them a prize when they're down.
Socialisation and exposure to new things
Expose your puppy to a range of individuals, including adults and children, in order to properly socialise them. Introduce them to a variety of settings, including parks, pet shops, and of course, the veterinary practice. To avoid anxiety and worry, make sure all encounters are constructive and as positive as possible.
Lead training
In order to acclimatise your puppy to the lead and collar and harness, start lead training indoors.
Short outdoor walks should be introduced gradually, with the length of time increasing as your puppy gets more accustomed.
Use light lead pressure and positive reinforcement to reward appropriate lead behaviour in order to avoid tugging.
Make sure to keep in mind that training is a journey, not a race. If you are persistent, patient, and upbeat, you will develop a close relationship with your new puppy.
