How to Train My Puppy for Free
You spent hours researching breeds on the internet. You spent your last paycheck at the pet store buying feeding bowls, chew toys, puppy piddle pads, and a bed which looks more comfortable than your own. You are ready to welcome your new addition to your family.
Fast forward to several weeks later; the cute furry bundle you imagined lazily sleeping at your feet is now terrorizing your home. The brand new chew toys lay untouched near a pile of once designer shoes. The puppy piddle pads which cost you $25 are void of any piddles, unlike your carpet. What happened? Much like toddlers, puppies need rules and boundaries, and there are some easy steps you can take to make your dog a well behaved member of society.
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Instructions
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Housebreaking
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Housebreaking your puppy will be the first lesson you will need to teach him. Take your puppy outside to a designated spot in your yard every 30-60 minutes. You should also take him to his potty spot after naps and meals. Again, much like children, puppies learn by repetition. Before long, he will begin to understand that this is where he needs to be when he has to go.
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At night, or when you have to leave your puppy alone, "crating" is recommended. Crate training involves putting your pup in a crate where his natural instinct to not potty where he sleeps will kick in. Choose a crate which is just big enough for your puppy to stand, sit, and turn around in. While you may be tempted to buy your little guy a large luxurious crate, you will be defeating your purpose. In a large crate your puppy is likely to find his own potty spot a safe distance from where he chooses to sleep.
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Remember to always praise your puppy when he does his business where he should. Treats can be used, but a heartfelt, "good boy" and a little love works just as well.
Obedience
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Teaching your puppy to be obedient and well behaved will be your next lesson. In order for his obedience training to be successful, first he will need to learn his name. Say his name to him many times a day. Use his name frequently while you are interacting with him. This will help him recognize the sound of his name, so when it is spoken he will know what you are saying applies to him.
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"Come" is an important command for your puppy to learn. To teach him this, it is helpful to have a partner. Each of you should have a treat. Standing or sitting across from each other, take turns showing the puppy the treat and saying the word come. When he comes on command, give him the treat and tell him he is a good boy.
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"Sit" will teach your squirmy puppy to know when it is time to be calm. To achieve this, hold a treat in front of him. While saying the word sit, move the treat up and away from him. He will follow the treat with his nose, therefore moving his bottom towards the floor. As soon as he sits, give him the treat and praise him.
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Tips & Warnings
Consistency and patience are essential to successfully training your puppy.
Never use forms of physical punishment to train your puppy. Teaching him to fear humans can lead to aggressive tendencies in his adulthood.
