2020 has been a Sh*t-show of a year for a ton of us. However, it has also been an extended season of puppy love for a whole bunch of us. If you’re one of the exhilarated new puppy parents of a sweet little Tornado, this post has been specially curated for You! Stay tuned as 15 experts in the field of pet training and behaviour share Puppy Training Tips to help you start off at the right paw with your pup!
1. Start off as you mean to go on
– Shirin Merchant, India’s Pioneer Dog Trainer & Canine Behaviorist, KCAI Accredited member.
Imagine a cute little St Bernard puppy jumping on your legs, trying his best to reach your knee while letting out cute little whines when you have a treat in your hand. Now imagine a fully grown St Bernard doing the same thing, having his giant paws on your shoulder, his head straight ahead of your eyes and whines right in your face. If this doesn’t look good in your head, it’s your job to stop that little puppy from jumping up!
“One of the first things a puppy needs help with is learning manners and creating good habits. If you don’t want your pup on furniture, maybe not in a particular room, or you don’t want your pup to beg for food, or jump on people, start teaching those little behaviours as early on as possible. Simple, consistent teaching will go a long way in helping the pup understand the rules of the house and what is expected of him.
Most people allow a pup in the first few weeks to get away with behaviors they may not want later on and then struggle to undo those behaviours when the pup is older. In addition, it is easier for a dog to be taught what to do in a situation rather than allowing him to do what he likes and then disciplining him for an unwanted behaviour.
It’s always best to start off as you mean to go on- it’s easier for the pup and for you.”
– Shirin Merchant
2. Be consistent with routine-setting and training
– Lindsay Stordahl – www.thatmutt.com
If there is one thing I can vouch for when it comes to puppy training tips, it is that your dog is FAR better than you in following a disciplined routine. You will notice that in just a few days your dog will be able to tell when it’s food time, playtime, nap time, walk time and zoomies time. In fact, what might also look like a random potty schedule to you, is actually a well-thought time-table in your puppy’s head.
One of the best things you can do for your new puppy is get into a consistent routine right away. Consistency is so important. Take your puppy out for frequent potty breaks to the same spot and reward. Feed your puppy at the same time every day. Plan out short training sessions, playtimes and short walks each day. Set up your puppy’s crate and have her sleep there every night from the beginning. And be consistent with which behaviors you will allow and will not allow.
– Lindsay Stordahl
You can read more on Lindsay’s Crate training tips HERE.
Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
3. Have a mammoth of socialization regimen at the RIGHT AGE
– Ian Stone, Simpawtico Dog Training
“The #1 thing I emphasize for people with new puppies is socialization. Hands (or paws) down this is critical and time-sensitive. It’s not just people and dogs, it’s novel situations. It’s sights, sounds, smells, and textures out in the world. It’s the vet’s office. It’s construction and traffic. It’s busy streets and quiet parks. It’s rugs, hardwood, tile, gravel, and grass. It’s a playground with children. It’s being in a moving vehicle, and getting in and out of said vehicle. It’s high-noon, and the dead of night. It’s bakeries, brew pubs, and coffee shops. Meet people, and absolutely have off-leash time with other puppies and friendly, vaccinated adult dogs.
And yes, Covid is a complication…but meeting people six feet away is still on a completely different planet than meeting NOBODY. You can have a mammoth socialization regimen and still be safe.
The bulk of this has to be done before 16 weeks and you SHOULD NOT wait until all the vaccines are done. You can do a ton of protected contact without taking unnecessary risks before the puppy is fully vaccinated but you MUST get them out of the house and off of the property to start experiencing the world. And, you must make this as fun and dynamic as you can. The worst thing you can do is isolate your puppy and then try to do it all later. After about 16 weeks the brain chemistry has changed and you’ll never be able to achieve what you could have. Start immediately. Be proactive.”
– Ian Stone
You can learn more on Ian’s way of puppy socialization through this video.
4. Build engagement and No free lunches!
– Dimitri, Petsmart Area Trainer [Click here to view his Instagram handle ]
Being a Petsmart trainer myself, I see so many pet parents missing out on excellent bonding opportunities with their pups day in and day out by throwing treats at them just for being cute! And then they tell me, “My dog only listens to me if I have a treat in my hand.” Ummm, that’s because you are setting your pup up for that!
“The fundamental behaviour that I teach to all my students is building engagement. Too often are dogs given rewards for free (dinner, toys, love) and we lose a huge opportunity of having them work for a reward. These short training sessions usually start with focus, crate cue, recall exercise, place etc. This small shift in our relationship with our dogs can help create a clearer and healthier bond with our best friends!”
– Dimitri
5. Positive reinforcement- an effortless way of training
– Alisa, thekindredcanine.com
What if I told you, you don’t have to invest hours into researching puppy training tips and still train your pup effortlessly?!
“If you see your puppy doing something you like, mark (a verbal “yes” works well here) and give them a treat. Catch them in the act of good behavior, and pay them for it. You’ll soon see your puppy doing these behaviors more and more! And we don’t even have to set up training sessions for positive reinforcement to work! Just observing and rewarding the good things they do all on their own is so effective!”
– Alisa
6. Guide your pup to make a better choice in any given situation
– Nikki, thecaninehealthnut.com
I’m a big believer of the quote – What you raise is what you get. This is true in the case of both kids and pets. It’s common sense that a dog is much likely to do things that reward him favorably. So don’t blame your pup if he surfs the counter, as the end result is him getting free access to delicious human food. Rather, train him to leave something on command and reward with something even more exciting than the stuff he’s been asked to leave.
“Remember that training isn’t telling your pup what to do, but teaching your pup what they can do. Much like teaching a child- you are setting boundaries, making recommendations, and guiding them to make good choices.”
– Nikki
7. Start off with the right expectations. If you have a “Stubborn” puppy, You’re the problem!
– Mike, Cockapoohq.com
Patience – something that everyone believes they have until they get a puppy!
“The number 1 thing for me is patience, patience and more patience. I got my Cockapoo at 8 weeks old and expected her to work miracles. I became frustrated but then realized that she doesn’t speak human, I don’t speak dog and she’s only been on this planet for less than 100 days. Don’t expect your dog to get it first time. Practice training, little and often”
– Mike
8. The importance of “Stay”
– Erin, petcurve.com
When I train “Stay” to my students in puppy classes, the first thing I tell all the puppy parents is that it is not a trick that we are teaching/ learning. It’s a life-saving command. Practicing Stay does not end at making the puppy stay for food, treats or toys. It actually only begins there.
Stay is a way of inculcating patience and high focus in your dog in the most challenging situations. While it may merely look like a command which requires a dog to do nothing, the command works wonders in calming down the havoc that goes on in your dog’s mind and trains him to be at his most peaceful state of mind in any given situation.
“The “stay” command is one of the most helpful commands to train your puppy. It can be of help for several things, right from keeping him from bolting out your front door to helping you get the perfect Instagram photo!”
– Erin
9. Your pup’s behaviour at the groomers is a reflection of your training and handling
– Megan, https://www.youtube.com/c/MWargula
To listen to her podcasts, Click here. www.dognerdshow.com
When you’re at the movies, and there is a kid running around, throwing popcorn at people, disturbing everyone and to top it all, tries to fight the security who’s asking him to go back to his seat, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I don’t know about you, but I totally judge the parents. How is it any different when your dog acts up in public?
“Get your pup used to as many new and different situations and experiences as possible. This includes things that will become very important to their health and comfort like teeth cleanings, nail trims, and grooming. Touch your puppy’s feet and ears regularly so they are used to the touch because this will help you trim their nails and clean their ears for their entire lives.
Also, I wish we had desensitized our dogs to teeth brushing early. When your dog is a senior, you will be so happy you did this, otherwise, those sweet puppy kisses turn into dragon breath smooches! Oh, and always, always end any training on a positive note.”
– Megan
10. Training your pup is a long-term bonding exercise, not a Bootcamp.
– Janni, http://iggysays.com/
None of what is mentioned in the “Puppy Training tips” checklist is a one-time quick fix for any puppy problem. All the points mentioned in this post are to be inculcated as a way of life for raising a happy, balanced and obedient dog.
“Initiating training with a new puppy can be exciting, but the most important thing to keep in mind is to set your expectations low. All dogs are different and learn at their own pace, and it is essential to make sure both you and your puppy are having fun, and to not get frustrated if you aren’t seeing results as fast as you had hoped. Be patient and start with the basics, and try to look at puppy training as a bonding opportunity for the two of you, rather than a bootcamp with little to no room for error.”
– Janni
11. Mastering “Come”, “Wait” and “Leave it” can potentially save your dog’s life!
– Liz Valentino, dogsdontwearpants.com
If the whole idea of commands, tricks and dog obedience training overwhelms you, just focus on 3 things – Training your dog to come, the ‘wait’ command and ‘Leave it’ command. I assure you, any situation you’re in, you can communicate effectively with your dog and keep him safe through any of these 3 commands.
“I believe that the wait command and leave it are essential to teach your puppy. The wait command can ensure that your dog doesn’t run out the door when you open it, and will teach the dog to wait for your say in doing something. It also can be used while feeding your dog.
Leave it is essential in teaching your puppy not to pick things up off the ground. Puppies will eat anything and everything they can find. I think these two commands are often overlooked, but are extremely useful in everyday life and can potentially save your dogs life.”
– Liz
12. Positive exposure is where your pup’s socialization must begin.
– Jessica, rcopetcare.com
Chad Mackin once said, “Understand, a poorly socialized, but friendly dog can easily start a fight he’s not looking or prepared for. If I ran up to every stranger I met and tried to hug them, sooner or later someone would punch me in the face.”
This is an extension to Point no 3 mentioned in this Puppy training tips checklist. Yes, socialization is a crucial aspect of puppy raising. But you’ve gotta take it at the puppy’s pace. Don’t shove your puppy in another person’s face or another dog. You’ll be doing more harm than good.
“While not a command, I feel one of the most important things to keep in mind while raising and training a puppy is positive exposure to the world around them. Introduce them to kind people, walk them in the park. Let them hear cars and birds and the vacuum cleaner while being in a safe, loving environment. This well help set the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted adult dog.”
– Jessica
13. Be consistent with your cues
– Jo WIlliams, www.thejackrussell.co.uk/
The fundamental of training depends on you giving cues and your dog following them. Your dog is constantly observing you and your reactions, even when you’re unaware of it, and is picking up on them. Be mindful of how you react when your dog does an unwanted behavior. Mean your “No’s”.
“The most important thing when training your dog is to be consistent. They are constantly taking cue’s from you, so if you laugh when they are naughty they think it’s good behaviour and they will repeat it. Be clear with how you want them to behave, praise the good, ignore or correct the bad, and never shout at your dog.”
– Jo
14. Don’t quit when training gets hard
– Paige Mann, Livelongandpawspurr.com
Typically when puppies reach 7-8 months of age, they hit something known as adolescence. This is an age where rather than relying on you for safety and security; they are more likely to go ‘self-employed’. This is the time when they’ll test waters to see what they can get away with and what they cannot. A phase also commonly referred to as “stubbornness.”
This is the phase where you take training more seriously than ever and hard wire the right behaviours in your dog. All the puppy training tips you’re reading currently will kinda go to the dumps if you’re going to be giving up when the going gets tough.
“When you make a decision on training…stick with it. If you decide to crate train, stick to and see it through. Don’t quit after a week because it gets hard! You can do it!”
– Paige
15. Eliminate feeding bowls
How could I complete the Puppy Training Tips Checklist without something from my own little book of expertise?!
Dog food bowls, as cute and convenient as they may seem, would be my least preferred way of feeding a puppy. Feeding, playing and walking – these three activities are the deciding factor of the kind of relationship you and your pup will share in the months or years to come.
Using training commands to feed kibbles as rewards or stuffing them in interactive toys are awesome ways to make sure your pup is working for his food and that his excitement for kibbles lives long. It also helps in taking a bit of the load of repeatedly exercising puppies off of puppy parents as these activities help a great deal in physically and mentally stimulating your puppy.
Raising a puppy is an incredible experience. Puppies often end up training us more than we train them and they make us realize a lot of things about us we didn’t know we were capable of! They bring out the best in us humans. Giving them a happy, balanced and stress-free life is the least we can do for them in return. Train your pups peeps!! It’s not a luxury, it’s an obligation you owe to them.
I love this collection of puppy training advice! I’ll certainly be sending this to new puppy parents, it covers so many bases. Thank you!
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looks good to see a proper guide or tips that should be followed to improve the habits of a basset hound. One of the main important things is training them and keep it’s routine.
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