Secrets For Successfully Training Your Puppy

This is the magic secret of dog training — lose control over yourself and you at once lose control of the dog. Your strongest and most irresistible weapon is iron patience.” – Albert Payson Terhune

Was there a new  puppy under your Christmas tree this year? They are so adorable and fun…but they are also a big responsibility. Not only do you need to feed and shelter them, but just as important, you need to train them.

Large numbers of dogs are given as gifts every year, and sadly many of them will be rehomed because their new family didn’t understand how important training is. It’s the key to a happy home for everyone.

Although training can be challenging at times, it isn’t about being strict or firm. Rather, it’s about being successful in teaching your pup to understand what behaviors are expected of him or her, building relationships and enjoying one another.

Secrets For Successful Training…

Set yourself and your pup up for success…these are ideas, that although they may not be specific to the actual training, they are things that will contribute to a happy pup who will be more eager to please you.

1. Decide on the type of training you want to use – There are a variety of training methods… Clicker training, Positive Reinforcement, Scientific Based, Relationships Based, and several other variations. Do some research, ask for recommendations, and choose the one that makes the most sense to you and be consistent using it so you don’t confuse your furry friend.
2. Have Fun! – Puppies like to play and have fun, so make training time enjoyable. Don’t forget to smile and laugh with Fido during your training sessions and when he does good. Your time together is serious business, but nothing says you can’t have a good time together while doing it. Your dog will be more responsive and enjoy it more and so will you.
3. Don’t set your pup up for failure – Avoid leaving your puppy alone for extended times during the first few months. Whether you’re in another part of the house or you have to run an errand…a puppy, unattended is bound to have little mistakes such as an accident on the floor, or a chewed up pair of shoes. This only leads to frustration for you and him, so begin crate training for when those times are necessary.
   1. A word of caution about the crate, too much time spent in the crate can cause anxiety and stress for your pup, so don’t use it as punishment or for long periods of time.
4. Make your minutes count – Training opportunities can be found throughout the day, and they only need to take a minute, in fact you should keep your training times to short increments…a minute at a time. For example…
   1. Just before you feed your pup a meal, use their kibble for reinforcement of behaviors you may be working on, such as having him sit 10 times for 10 kibbles.
   2. Just before going on a walk, practice sitting or laying.
   3. While you’re relaxing together, do some body handling, which is so important for socializing him: gently touching his feet, his face, his ears or looking at his teeth.
5. Pace yourself – The idea of getting little Fido all trained is exciting, but remember, he’s just a little guy, and training is a journey that takes time. Don’t try to do too much at once. Rushing your pup will only confuse and frustrate you both…relax and enjoy the journey.
6. Keep it positive – Although there will most likely be times when you’re feeling frustrated, avoid using anger, irritation or force to get your pup to respond how you want him to. Not only will you intimidate and possibly frighten him, but he will be less likely to respond positively and less willing to learn.
7. Timing is everything – Choose a time of day for your training sessions when Fido is awake, alert and playful.

BowWow Fun Towne offers puppy socializing and in home training.

We are experts in dog day care, we care about your dogs and take their health and well-being seriously. Our facility features a full size swimming pool for fun and exercise.

Contact us today