Puppy Training For Beginners
Training a new puppy can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. There are various schools of thought on how to approach puppy training, but most trainers agree on some fundamental principles. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
Start Early
Begin training your puppy as soon as they feel comfortable in their new home. Early training helps prevent unacceptable behavior and establishes good habits from the beginning.
Socialization and Boundaries
Unacceptable behavior often arises from poor socialization with owners and other dogs. Proper socialization involves setting clear boundaries. A well-socialized puppy understands what behaviors are acceptable and what are not.
Consistency in Rewarding Good Behavior
Rewarding good behavior is universally agreed upon. Whether it’s giving treats, verbal praise, or a click of happiness, consistent rewards reinforce desired behaviors. It's crucial to maintain consistency; a puppy will be confused if they are rewarded for a behavior one day and reprimanded for the same behavior the next.
Redirecting Bad Behavior
When a puppy engages in bad behavior, gently steer them towards good behavior. For example, if a puppy jumps up on people, redirect their focus to the ground and praise them once all four paws are on the ground. Opinions vary on whether to give treats after correcting bad behavior. Some trainers believe that rewarding after correction may lead to the puppy acting up to receive a treat.
Ignoring Negative Behavior
A method called “extinction” involves ignoring certain negative behaviors, like barking, to reduce them. The idea is to withhold attention from the negative behavior and engage in a positive activity once the behavior stops. This teaches the puppy that negative behaviors do not gain attention, while positive behaviors do. Owners might see an initial increase in the unwanted behavior as the puppy tests the boundaries.
Tailoring Training to Your Puppy
Consistency is key in any training method. After observing your puppy for a few days, determine what motivates them. If treats are effective, use them consistently to reward good behavior. If your puppy values attention and praise more than treats, use those as rewards instead.
Conclusion
With patience, consistency, and the right approach, even the most challenging puppies can become well-behaved companions. Swifto believes in personalized training methods tailored to what motivates your dog, ensuring a happy and obedient pet.
At Swifto, we understand that puppies require extra care and attention. That’s why we offer specialized puppy visits. Our professional dog walkers provide regular check-ins to ensure your puppy gets the exercise, socialization, and potty breaks they need throughout the day.
For more tips and to learn about our puppy visit services, visit Swifto. Let us help you ensure your puppy grows into a well-behaved and happy dog.
