Training A Puppy: A Complete Guide
Updated: Aug 18, 2021
While training a puppy is exciting and rewarding, it can be challenging. If you've owned a young dog before, you know how much time and energy they require.
This is especially true when teaching them to be obedient and well-behaved!
In this blog, our puppy training experts at CanineJulz will discuss:
How to get started
What to know
Helpful tips and tricks
So your new pup can grow into a happy, healthy member of your family!
Table of Contents:
What to Know Before Training A Puppy
Understanding Puppy Growing Pains
3 Essential Elements of Puppy Training
1. Seek Positive-Reinforcement Training
2. Be Patient. Be Consistent!
3. Practice. Practice. Practice!
The Puppy Training Timeline
8 to 10 Weeks Old: Setting Training Foundations
10 to 12 Weeks Old: Advancing Commands
4 to 6 Months of Age: Introducing Complex Training Routines
6 Months to 1-Year-Old: Mastering Skills
Conclusion
People Also Ask:
How long does training a puppy take?
Potty training a puppy can vary.
Factors that determine housebreaking are:
Age
Learning history
Training methods and consistency
What is the first thing you should train your puppy?
Besides potty training, the first commands you should train your pup are to sit and stay.
We suggest standing in front of your puppy while holding some food or treats.
Once they sit, practice positive encouragements by saying "yes" and give your dog the treat.
What should you not do when training a puppy?
The 7 most common puppy training don'ts include:
Taking your pup home too soon
Not starting basic dog training ASAP
Not crate training
Too much independence too early
Free feeding
Pushing your puppy's face in a potty accident
Scolding your pet after the fact
What to Know Before Training A Puppy
Before you begin any puppy training, focusing on their emotional health is essential. This means you need to make sure you create an environment where your pup feels safe around you.
You can help establish a healthy and happy environment for your puppy by:
Building a relationship
Giving them attention
Creating structure
Remember: Once that loving and trusting bond exists, teaching your pup basic commands and behaviors can be easier.
Understanding Puppy Growing Pains
It's also important to understand that it's normal for young dogs to come with some growing pains in the beginning.
These often include:
Nipping
Biting
Chewing
Potty accidents
Barking
And more.
While your puppy needs time to adjust to its new environment, he or she is also developing and growing quickly. Once they've been home for a few weeks, your pup should know basic commands like stay and sit while also undergoing potty training.
Visit our housebreaking blog post for more information!
3 Essential Elements of Puppy Training
It's time to talk about training! Having a puppy training schedule that includes the following 3 elements can lead to a well-behaved dog and a loyal companion.
1. Seek Positive-Reinforcement Training
When looking to train your puppy, it's vital to find a trainer who has the right skill set and coaching methods. Our founder and professional dog trainer, Julie, uses positive reinforcement training.
This kind of training involves:
Patience
Understanding
Respectful communication
With pets and their owners to achieve successful results. We also use treats and positive verbal praises to encourage confidence and good behavior.
2. Be Patient. Be Consistent!
Training a puppy or puppies can be frustrating. Young dogs are just figuring things out and will make mistakes.
Try to remember that creating a well-behaved pup and establishing communication with them takes time! Maintaining a consistent home and training schedule can help get them on track faster.
We recommend creating a daily schedule that includes:
Play, feeding, and nap times
Potty breaks
Training classes
Your puppy will learn to understand their daily household routine. This will help them feel confident and secure with your family, and stay on a schedule that promotes good behavior.
3. Practice. Practice. Practice!
When it comes to training a puppy, practice does make perfect! As the owner, you can help accomplish this by having regular training sessions part of their schedule.