Training your puppy
Why training your puppy is important
However
delightful your puppy is, never forget that he’s going to grow up –
and to be a happy, well-adjusted adolescent and adult dog, he needs
good training. Your training methods should always be kind, calm
and reward-based – never shout or hit, because that will simply
upset him.
A common reason for young dogs to end up in rescue is poor
training – their first owners weren’t prepared to spend the time
getting them to behave properly, and often give up on them. So it’s
clear that training is essential. You can teach yourself via books
or the internet, but a great place to start is at puppy
socialisation classes at your vets or via local dog groups.
House training
With house training, the key is to identify the place where you
want your puppy to go, take him there often, and every time he
performs make a huge fuss of him, with praise and treats. Take him
out frequently – after play, feeding, exercise, entertainment,
first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and at least once
an hour. Stay with him, so you can reward him there and then, and
if nothing happens wait a few minutes before you bring him in and
then try again in an hour. Accidents will happen, especially at
night time. If you are there when it’s happening, interrupt him and
take him out to the right place, and reward him then. Don’t punish
him if you weren’t there, because he won’t understand. Puppy crates
can help with house training, because he won’t go where he
sleep. Finally, if you take him out for a walk, make sure you
keep going after he’s done his stuff – because he needs his
exercise and fun just as much as he needs to ‘go’.
Chewing is a part of puppy teething – you can’t stop it, but you
can give him some good chew toys (some of which you can stuff with
food or treats, so he has a built-in reward) and make sure he can’t
get at anything you don’t want him to chew.
Puppy proofing your home
Getting down to your puppy’s level can help dog-proof your
house. Imagine he’s a toddler and make sure the puppy can’t get
hold of anything he shouldn’t – trailing wires, unstable shelves,
bottles of bleach, medicines, even houseplants. If you don’t want
him to have it, or it’s potentially harmful – move it! Check the
garden too – look out for puppy-sized holes in hedges or fences,
and make sure pesticides are locked away.
Finally remember that when you get your puppy home he is going
to experience lots of new things. Travelling by car, being left
alone and meeting new people for example can all be new and
frightening situations for a puppy. To help your puppy remain calm
in these situations pheromone sprays, collars and plug-ins are
available from your vet. See our guide to socialising your puppy for more information on
helping your puppy get used to different situations.
Other sections:
Bringing your new puppy home
Feeding your new puppy
Oral health for puppies
Socialising your puppy
Your puppy's growth
Neutering your dog
Puppy insurance
Microchipping
Fleas and worming
Dog body condition check