How To

How to Train a Puppy

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Adding a new puppy to your family is the ideal situation for training a new pet. You can begin early and train consistently, thus helping ensure success and a happy relationship. Follow these simple steps and you will have a well-behaved little puppy in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • One or two word commands
  • Treats
  • Consistency
  • Patience
  1. Step 1

    Set aside time daily to work with your puppy. Practice and consistency are key-especially for puppies-when outlining your expectations.

  2. Step 2

    Decide where you want to start. With a puppy the simple and common commands are the best starting place. This includes sitting, coming when called and staying. Work on one thing at a time until the puppy gets the hang of each one.

  3. Step 3

    Choose your training method. Some of the most common and successful ideas are praise, a combination of praise and treats or using a clicker.

  4. Step 4

    Exercise the puppy by taking a walk before beginning a training session. This is not only a great way to establish your role as pack leader, but also will wear him out and help him pay more attention to what you are teaching.

  5. Step 5

    Give commands in a firm voice and be sure that they are short and distinct from the other commends you will be teaching. Yelling or sounding angry will hurt the process, so make sure you are simply using a strong voice.

  6. Step 6

    Speak to her in a soothing voice when she starts to take the action you are teaching, and follow up with praise and rewards once the puppy performs the desired action. With a puppy, you may need to demonstrate what you are asking of her by positioning her where you want.

  7. Step 7

    React immediately with a firm no when correcting a behavior. This is usually enough to let him know you disagree with the behavior. In order for him to learn what you are teaching him, consistency is key.

  8. Step 8

    Review frequently with your puppy. This is a great way to continue the bonding process and helps ensures success.

Tips & Warnings
  • Exercise your puppy daily even when not training. Twice a day for at least twenty minutes is ideal. This will not only help his physical health, but also mental health.
  • Establish the hierarchy early and do not deviate. Dogs are pack animals and work best in this environment. All humans are to be at the top of the structure.
  • Consistency is key. Make sure everyone else around the puppy follows the same rules you lay out.
  • Overfeeding is a risk when using treats as a reward for good behavior. Break treats into smaller pieces or use praise alone in between the treat rewards.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Train a Puppy

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Pets Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Pets
eHow_eHow Pets