There are so many tips and tricks for training your puppy it’s easy to get lost. Here are some of the ones that worked the best for us:
Warm water bottle
To help your puppy feel comfortable in their new home, you can give them a warm hot water bottle and a ticking clock in their sleeping area. This will mimic the warmth and heartbeat of their siblings and make them more relaxed.
Hold them close
When you take your puppy to the vet for their first shots, check-ups, etc., it is better to hold them on your lap instead of letting them on the floor. This way, you can soothe and reassure them more easily, and also protect them from any aggressive animals that might be there. Try to make the vet visits as enjoyable as possible for your puppy. Don’t let them sense your worry or anxiety, but rather play with them and bring a toy to distract them while they are on your lap.
Create their own space
From the beginning, make sure your puppy has their own, private sleeping spot that is not shared by anyone else in the family or another pet. Your puppy will appreciate having some alone time in their ‘den’, and you should always reward them when they are calm and quiet. Remember a reward doesn’t have to be a treat, simply praising your dog and pat on head is enough.
What’s my name
Your puppy’s name will stay with them forever, so make sure they learn it by linking it with everything nice and fun. Too often, the only time the puppy hears their name is when they’re naughty. It’s hard, but try not to use the puppy’s name in a bad situation, only good ones. Instead of ‘Spot, leave that alone!’ just say, ‘Leave that alone!’ or better yet ‘No!’. Golden rule. Your puppy should link their name with everything that is fun and pleasant and nothing that is negative. The word ‘no’ is negative and it covers all the bad behavior.
Keep your puppy entertained
Keep your puppy entertained with short and frequent activities during the day. If they are bored for too long, they might develop bad habits or behaviors later on. Playing ‘fetch’ with their favorite toy is a good way to stimulate them, strengthen your bond with them, and let them use up some energy.
Don’t push your puppy too hard
Remember, a one-year old dog is like a seven-year old child. Ask yourself, ‘would I expect a kid of that age to behave properly 100% of the time?’ You should only focus on teaching your puppy the basics, such as manners, house-training, and socialization, until they are old enough for more advanced training. Puppies might seem ready for training, but they will resist it as they grow older. The most important thing is to teach your puppy to respond to their name, follow the house rules, and trust you completely.
No biting or nipping
Teach your puppy that biting or nipping is not a fun playtime activity by acting as if it hurts when they do it. Don’t scold them, but let them know that you don’t like it when they nip you. A loud and exaggerated cry of pain will probably make them stop. You will be happy you stopped this behavior early on, instead of dealing with a ‘playful’ 2-year old with a full set of adult teeth!
Set clear boundaries
If you don’t want your pup to sleep on the sofa when they grow up, don’t invite them up for cuddles when they’re young just because they’re cute and easy to lift. A solid set of rules will ensure a lifetime of fun.
No jumping
Puppies love to jump up when they see anyone. Don’t scold them, but ignore them until they calm down and stop jumping. And don’t reward them with pats or praise when they’re in the ‘jump-position’ or they’ll think it’s a good way to get attention when they’re bigger.
Come here
From the day you get your puppy, teach them that coming to you when you call them is the best thing ever. Puppies can’t help but run to humans who sit on the floor, so use this simple trick to make them come to you, and use their name, but not too much, and make a big fuss when they get there. Do it when they’re busy with something else and make it the most fun and rewarding thing for them to come back to you. You’ll be glad you did when they’re older.
