How to Properly Train Your New Puppy

Your new puppy has only been home with you an hour, and the honeymoon is already over. Chalk it up to your newly soiled carpet or the chew marks on your table leg, here are some things to consider in training your new puppy so she becomes the family member you want her to be!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A new puppy.
• A crate/kennel sized appropriately for when your puppy is full-grown.
• Pet-stain remover (found at local pet stores).
• Bitter apple spray.
• A leash.
• A fenced-in yard.
• A willing trainer (i.e., you!).

1. Your new puppy is nervous, so she will likely have to go potty more frequently in the first few days. Make sure that you are prepared to take her outside every 30-40 minutes so she learns that outside is the proper place to go potty.

2. Stay outside with your puppy until she goes. When she goes, praise her, give her affection and love ("Good girl, Molly"), and use her name specifically. This helps her learn her name, but also helps her learn that she has pleased you, and that is her ultimate goal in life. She wants to make you happy, and if going potty outside makes you happy, she is more likely to do it outside.

3. When she has an accident on the carpet or floor, do not yell at her or hit her aggressively. This causes her to fear you and may cause her to actually go in the house more, only she will try to hide it. Instead, once you have caught her doing her duty on the floor, swipe her nose in it, tell her "No!" very sternly, and then take her outside. On this occasion, leave her outside by herself for a few minutes so she knows she has not pleased you, and that going in the house is not acceptable.

4. When you bring her back in, take her to her crate for 10 minutes. This will help her calm down and be ready to play and join the family again.

5. Every night before you go to bed, make sure you take the puppy outside. This will get her in the habit of going out before bedtime. Then take her to the crate for the night. Puppies will typically not potty in a confined space, as they don't want to lie in their own feces.

6. When you get up in the morning, head straight to the crate and take the puppy to the door. Don't let her stop, or you may have more carpet decor than you had anticipated. Take her straight to the door and keep her outside until she goes potty. Again, praise is HUGE for a puppy, as you are their WHOLE life. They don't have anything else they care about except food, sleep, play, and you.

7. When you leave the house for the day (or when you leave), take your puppy to their crate. Make sure it is empty except for a chew toy or favorite ball and puppy. Blankets or towels make great places to potty, and also are excellent chewables.

8. If you have found your favorite table a little less beautiful for your puppy's teething habits, it's time to consider special toys for your puppy. Some great toys include a Kong, a rawhide or pig's ear, or a rope. All will keep puppy busy and will keep your puppy interested in her own toys vs. your treasured table legs.

9. If your new puppy still goes back to the table leg, it is because she has determined that it is hers. If you catch her in the act of chewing, remove her from the situation, tell her "No!" firmly, take her outside for a few minutes, and then to the crate for 10 minutes. When she comes out of the crate, give her one of her toys so she knows that the table is off-limits and her toys are not. Make sure you take a few minutes to play with her, too, so she knows that you have forgiven her.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not hit your puppy! Hitting your puppy causes aggressive dogs, and can cause your puppy to become afraid of you.
• Do not use newspapers for training. Your puppy will then use ANY paper to relieve herself and will not understand how to go outside to use the bathroom.
• Take your puppy for frequent walks, daily if possible. This helps her get great exercise, and gives her plenty of time to go potty.
• If you don't already have a fenced-in yard, consider having one put in. Invisible fences are inhumane and can cause harm to your puppy. A much wiser investment is a fence for your yard.
• Don't give up on your puppy! Puppies are like babies--they take a lot of training and guidance to become responsible, fun dogs that people enjoy being with. Be patient and enjoy the liveliness of your puppy!
• If your puppy soils your carpet, local Mass Market pet stores carry stain remover specifically designed for urine and vomit removal. They work very well when applied properly.
• Original 409 also works well on pet stains.
• Keep your crate in a room in your house, if possible. Your puppy will be happier and feel safer knowing they are not left out on a porch or out in the backyard.
• Designate one trainer for your puppy. This will help ease her confusion and she will learn much quicker.
• If your puppy shows outwardly aggressive behavior consistently when training, take her to the vet to be examined right away.
• Do not hit your puppy--ever--with anything.
• Keep your puppy out of your garage. They will be curious about the anti-freeze and other chemicals that can harm them.

[Felicity]

on 6/11/2008 Top advice - very detailed and helpful. Thanks for sharing this with us.