Learn How to Train Your New Puppy with Our Helpful Tips

Training Tips

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Training a puppy to be comfortable in a crate is a popular way to provide safe confinement during housetraining. Most puppies will rapidly accept crate confinement when you make the introduction fun. Since it is essential to associate good things with the area where the puppy is confined, it is a good idea to play with him there or spend some time reading or watching television nearby as he relaxes with a favorite chew toy. If he is only in the area when you leave, it becomes a social isolation area that he eventually may resist entering.



A good time to start crate training is at dinner time. Feed your puppy dinner, one piece at a time, by tossing pieces of kibble into the crate for your puppy to chase and eat. This way, you can make a game out of training.


When you pick up his toys, store them in the crate so he will enter on his own to play. You may occasionally hide a biscuit in the crate as a pleasant surprise.


It would be best if you did not use the crate for periods that exceed the length of time the pet can control the urge to urinate or defecate. You must provide a larger confinement area if you are gone for long periods each day. Consider using an exercise pen or a small room.


Provide an area large enough so that if the puppy has to eliminate it when you are gone, he can do it in a separate space from his sleeping area.

Crate Training

Teaching Commands

The Come Command

Here's a step-by-step guide to teaching your puppy all the commands he should know. Dogs are used to living in packs with other dogs. So, a strict hierarchy is entirely typical of your puppy. Treating your puppy as a partner with equal rights may give him too much freedom. This will only confuse him because a dog needs clear rules. There must be a leader of the pack.



You don't need to shout to let your puppy know what you expect of him. The tone in your voice helps your puppy understand whether you are praising or scolding him. The words you use are of secondary importance. You should choose short, one-word commands, not long sentences. "Come here!” is too long, "Come!" is the correct length.


Even though you may be very polite, your puppy cannot understand. Of course, now and then, you may feel uncomfortable being so authoritarian with the sweet little fellow but be assured that this is the only way the communication between you and your dog will work.


From the very first day, your puppy will look for his place in the hierarchy of his new pack giving you a chance to start with little games to train him. It would help if you started with short playful exercises. Only cut an activity short after your puppy has succeeded; remember to praise him every time. Limit each movement to five minutes, and exercise for no longer than 15 minutes per day.


Please make sure you are the one who decides when the game or exercise starts and when it ends. Even if your puppy brings you a complete collection of toys, you should say "No" now and then, as this will strengthen your position as pack leader.

Begin training your dog indoors. First, your dog must react to you and come to you when you call. Use the same word always, such as "Come," possibly coupled with your puppy's name. After you have called him once or twice, he will probably come running to you. Praise him lavishly, or even spoil him with a little treat.



Sometimes your puppy may have something more important on his agenda than coming to you. If he doesn't come to you after you've called him twice, get him and carry him to the spot you called him from before. Repeat the exercise right away. If you are walking your puppy and call him, and nothing happens, you may start a wild chase if you try to get him. Your puppy may consider this a fantastic game. However, this game will not make for a successful exercise, so you must use another method outdoors. If your puppy doesn't come to you when you call, turn around and go away.


In most cases, he'll come running after you, so he won't lose you. Of course, please don't leave him too far behind. He should only be away from you for a few yards on your first walks together. If you are in an open area, always keep your puppy on a leash until he is fully trained.

No! Stop!

Every puppy is a little discoverer who wants to know his environment in detail. Your puppy will therefore gnaw at things to find out how they taste. This may be annoying to you and even dangerous for the puppy. Some indoor plants, for example, are poisonous (African violet, poinsettias) or may cause injuries (cactus). Keep these plants out of the puppy's reach.


If you catch your dog gnawing at your shoes, offer him something more suitable such as a chew. Praise him if he accepts it. This way, your puppy can satisfy his need to chew without destroying your possessions. You need to be consistent from the beginning to watch your puppy disappear with one of your slippers, no matter how sweet it looks. Remember, the larger your dog becomes the bigger his teeth. You won't want all your shoes chewed up by those big teeth.

Sit!

"Sit!" is another exercise you can start early in the game. Later on, you will add "Down" and "Stay." These commands will enable you to keep your dog under control. Even in unusual situations, you'll be able to call and make your dog sit down; for example, if you want to stop him from running after a cat and getting hit by a car.


What does it take to succeed? Treats will be a great help in the beginning. Hold the treat above your dog's head and say, "Sit!" because your puppy wants to get that treat, he will probably sit down. Praise him for that and give him the dog treat. If your puppy refuses to sit down, make him do it by pressing his back gently. Give your dog the treat only if he has sat down. Never give up, because if you do, you'll teach the dog the wrong lesson: I will get this dog treat if I am stubborn.


Your dog has now learned the basic commands. Obedience classes can help perfect what your dog has learned, in case your puppy is somewhat obstinate or simply because it's more fun learning in a group. Another vital aspect of obedience classes is regular contact with other dogs. This aspect will teach your dog to stand its ground and surrender if necessary. Especially for puppies that act shy around other dogs, this is an excellent opportunity to develop self-confidence.

Do you have a question about our puppy training trips? Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team at Seven Oaks Kennel at 210-777-1464 and we will be happy to help.

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