Considering adopting a puppy? You may want to consider the time and effort it will require to train it. While it may seem like a daunting task, following these simple tips will make sure you and your new pet are happy and fulfilled.
START EARLY
The first few days at home with your new puppy are crucial for training. By starting early on in your relationship, you’ll be setting precedents that will last for your pet’s whole lifetime.
DECIDE ON HOUSE RULES
The first step is to make sure you and anyone else who lives in your home are on the same page with rules and discipline. Make some decisions before your new puppy comes home: what she can and can’t do, whether or not she’s allowed on the furniture, and which parts of the house (if any) are off limits.
GIVE HER A SPACE OF HER OWN
Depending how big your home is, this can be anything from having her own bed to having her own room—it’s up to you! But having her own space to sleep and relax that doesn’t belong to anyone else (human or animal) is a good idea. Having their own space will allow them to have time to themselves, and will also reinforce housetraining. They won’t want to mess up their own space, so they’ll learn to restrain their bladders. Reward them for having quiet time in their own space.
REWARD AND REPRIMAND
When your puppy shows good behaviour or does something after you give the command, reward them. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of love, it will teach them that good behaviour results in rewards, so they’ll do it more! On the other hand, never reward bad behaviour. It will confuse your puppy. But bad behaviour shouldn’t mean you yell at them; just be stern and let them know that bad behaviour isn’t accepted. Try to practice rewarding and reprimanding immediately after a behaviour – otherwise they won’t be able to tell that the two are related, and they won’t learn anything.
BE PATIENT!
Being patient can be hard, but try to remember – your puppy is just a puppy! She’s doing her best, and patience will always pay off in the long run.