Anyone recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Now that your little fella has settled in, have you started to notice his penchant for chewing on things, like couch cushions and slippers? Fortunately, a little dog training can go a long way towards keeping your home intact and keeping little Fido in line. In recognition of Dog Training Education Month, give these few tips on how to train your pup a try.
Lead With “Pawsitive” Reinforcement
You want Fido to see training as a good experience, so when he does something wrong, you don’t want to yell at him. Instead, reward good behavior with praise and treats and try to redirect him towards other activities when he’s engaged in bad behaviors.
Establish House Rules
Before you bring him home, decide what your new pup can and can’t do. Will he be allowed in any room of the house, or will certain areas be off-limits? Should he be allowed on the bed? On the furniture? Make these decisions ahead of time. And once he arrives, be consistent so he doesn’t get confused.
Train Your Pup to Come When Called
The “come” command should be the first thing little Fido learns. And always be sure to use his name when training him. Also, don’t forget to praise him and get excited when he does it right.
No Biting and Nipping
If your pup starts nipping or biting at your leg or hand, try giving him a chew toy or a bone as a replacement. You can also try interrupting the behavior and then ignoring him.
Discourage Jumping
One bad behavior that’s hard to break is your new pup jumping up on you or anyone else, so you’ll want to discourage it right away. Turn your back and ignore the behavior, then praise Fido when he settles down. This is a good way to stop the behavior.
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.
Reward Good Behavior
Always reward baby Fido for good behavior. You can do this with treats, toys, and lots of praise.
If you have more questions about training your pup or need the name of a good trainer in your area, please feel free to contact us. We can help!
