How to Train a Rowdy Puppy

The excitement level in a family is never higher than when a puppy becomes a new member of the household. It is important to remember that the training of a rowdy puppy will be a learning experience for both you and the dog. The first few months with a puppy can be very time consuming. The most common puppy problems have different ways of addressing them.

Things You'll Need

• Dog leash Dog treats Puppy chew toys Cleaning supplies Potty training pads Dog collar Pet crate (optional)

Instructions

1. Decide on methods of training. This most specifically applies to how you will potty train your puppy (see Resources). Types of potty training include the crate method, going outdoors only and the use of indoor pads. The crate method provides a personal sleeping space for the puppy. The puppy will not want to sleep where it eliminates and therefore will learn to control its bladder and bowel movements. The indoor training method uses pads that are chemically treated to attract the puppy. After the puppy is used to the pads, it should be moved outdoors to encourage it to eliminate outside. A very important part of potty training is learning to recognize pre-potty behavior. This way you can take action, such as bringing the puppy outside or to its designated station.

2. The socialization of the puppy is an extremely important time in its development. The more things it encounters in its early life, the more likely it will be able to handle different situations as an adult. Introduce your puppy to different people, dogs and places. The goal is to make your puppy better acclimated to exciting situations. The socialization during the first half year of the puppy's life will have a huge impact on its personality and behavior.

3. Consider obedience training. Even a basic course can be beneficial, especially to an impressionable puppy.

4. Do not reward undesirable behavior. If your dog constantly barks at the doorbell or the phone, do not waste your time reprimanding him and adding to the excitement. Get your puppy used to these things. To train the puppy, call the phone or ring the bell repeatedly until it gets tired of barking at it.

5. Biting can also become a problem with a puppy. Again, it is very important to not reward or support this behavior. Never strike your dog to signal bad behavior. A simple scolding remark should do the trick. When a puppy begins to play too rough, do not continue playing with it. Direct it to a chew toy or ignore the puppy completely.

6. Puppies are naturally curious, and chewing is one of the ways they do their research. Chew toys should be provided for the puppy, both inside and outside of their cage. Chew toys should not be old clothes, shoes, socks, or anything that they shouldn't normally be chewing on. It is important to remember that excessive or destructive chewing normally occurs when puppies are not monitored. They need to be reminded constantly that what they are doing is either right or wrong.

7. A leash should be used for walking your puppy. A dog collar can also be used for training. A light tug on the collar or leash will let the puppy know that it is doing something it should not be doing.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide quickly on a method for potty training. Undesirable habits are very difficult to change. Be consistent with training methods. Remember to reward positive behavior.

Resources

• House Training a Puppy