| Puppy training is very important, regardless | | | | all, you would want a puppy or dog that is |
| if it is your first puppy or your 10th puppy. | | | | obedient and responsive to your commands. |
| Training a puppy may also be easier than | | | | |
| training an adult dog because a puppy doesn't | | | | You may begin socializing your puppy by |
| have any knowledge on previous training | | | | taking a trip to the local pet store. Check |
| techniques or other issues. On the other | | | | to make sure if the pet store allows you to |
| hand, sometimes a puppy can also be more | | | | bring your puppy to get used to new sights, |
| difficult to train simply because it may not | | | | sounds and smells. Positive reinforcements |
| comprehend what you are trying to teach or be | | | | Puppies should be rewarded for good behaviors |
| too young to absorb the lessons. | | | | and not rewarded for being a delinquent. Do |
| | | | not reward a puppy just because it has a cute |
| Puppies are also easily distracted because | | | | behavior. For example, it may be cute when a |
| everything is new to it. The environment, the | | | | puppy jumps on people, but this cuteness will |
| people, the things around, the other pets - | | | | wear off immediately if your puppy grows into |
| these are all distractions to a puppy simply | | | | a 100 pound dog! So it will be wiser to |
| because it is very curious about everything! | | | | reward your puppy for sitting instead of |
| With this in mind, it will be best to keep | | | | jumping on people. |
| training sessions quick and short. Each | | | | |
| training session should also ideally end on a | | | | These positive reinforcements can also be |
| positive note. | | | | used in potty training for a new puppy. For |
| | | | example, teaching a puppy to do its |
| Socialization is important! As a puppy, | | | | "business" on certain surface is a good |
| socialization is also important. Be sure to | | | | technique. If your puppy gets used to pooping |
| expose your puppy to other puppies, dogs and | | | | on gravel or asphalt surfaces, it will be |
| even pets. This will reduce any likelihood | | | | reluctant to use other surfaces such as your |
| dog aggression as your puppy will know how to | | | | home carpet as potty. |
| deal with its surroundings. Socialization | | | | |
| training will help in educating your puppy on | | | | A calm environment If you are bringing home a |
| how to play with other dogs properly and how | | | | new puppy for the first time, it would be |
| aggressive play with other dogs in the play | | | | great if everyone in the family is present. |
| group is not acceptable and will lead to | | | | It would also be best to make sure that the |
| punishment. | | | | house environment is calm, unlike during |
| | | | festive or holiday seasons. Otherwise, there |
| As the puppies play with each other, they | | | | will be too many distractions and the puppy |
| learn what is appropriate (and what is not). | | | | will not get the attention it needs. |
| All undesirable and inappropriate puppy | | | | |
| behavior (hard biting or scratching) is | | | | Once a puppy becomes part of the family, it |
| punished by its siblings, by the puppy's | | | | will need to learn more about the home |
| mother or both. However, in this day and age, | | | | environment. For example, if there are |
| many puppies are separated from their mothers | | | | stairs, your puppy may not know how to climb |
| (to be sold or adopted) before this natural | | | | properly. So as an owner, you will have to |
| socialization can take place. | | | | slowly build your puppy's confidence. Start |
| | | | at the bottom of the stairs and slowly work |
| Hence, this is why socialization and puppy | | | | up the steps day by day. Do not expect it to |
| training sessions are important. It may make | | | | climb all the way to the top on its first |
| a huge difference to your household and your | | | | day! In general, a wide stairway may be less |
| relationship with your puppy and dog. After | | | | intimidating for the puppy. |