Puppy Obedience Training: What You Should Know

Are you a new puppy parent struggling to keep your Fluffy Friend well-behaved and under control? It may be time for your new family member to undergo puppy obedience training!

One of the most important aspects of raising a happy and healthy pup is providing them with the proper training. Puppy obedience training is a crucial step in creating a strong bond between you and your furry companion and ensuring their safety and well-being.

In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need about puppy obedience training, from hiring a trainer to the best techniques and tools you'd need. 

Whether you're a first-time puppy parent or an experienced dog owner, keep reading to learn how to set your fur baby up for the best start in life.

Puppy Obedience Training: Should You Hire Someone?

While many resources are available online and in books, some pet owners wonder if hiring a professional trainer is necessary.

The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation and goals.

Hiring a professional may be a wise investment if you're a first-time puppy parent.

This goes the same for owners with a particularly challenging or high-energy breed.

Of course, fur parents with limited time and resources to dedicate to training also opt to hire trainers.

Trainers can provide personalised guidance and support and help address any behavioural issues early on.

However, if you have dog training experience, hiring a trainer may not be necessary.

Many owners successfully train their puppies with the help of online resources, books, and patience.

Behaviourist vs. Trainer

There are some significant distinctions between behaviourists and trainers.

For instance, behaviourists can also be trainers or veterinarians. On the other hand, trainers are prepared to tackle symptoms but may not always be able to address the root causes.

Some trainers have credentials from institutions or organisations that provide training. It's usually advisable to verify your trainer's credentials. Then again, if they lack credentials, check their references or past clients.

Can You Train Your Puppy Yourself?

Yes! You can train your pooch yourself if you have the patience and commitment to hold consistent training sessions. Aside from forming a bond with your furry companion, DIY puppy training won't be as expensive.

However, working with a skilled dog trainer can benefit any dog or pet parent. Aside from getting expert advice, trainers also offer in-home training or group classes.

Related: Dog Training 101: How to Make the Most Out of It!

Tips for Training Your Puppy

If you choose to train your Fluffy Friend yourself, there are several crucial tips to consider:

What You Need

There are only a few necessities for efficient dog training. Here are a few essential tools that will make things easier and more productive:

• Dog Collar: Choose a comfortable collar. Snap collars are preferred since they can easily be put on and taken off.
• Harness: A harness is more appropriate for larger breeds, especially for pups who tend to tug their leash.
• Leash: Pair your collar with a heavy-duty leash.
• Treats: Reward your canine with dog training goodies that can be consumed quickly.

Puppy Obedience Training Methods

First, let’s look into these quick tips to make puppy obedience training more enjoyable for you and your Fluffy Friend:

• Keep it short:

Pups have short attention spans.

It’s best to train for no longer than five minutes at a time.

Once they've mastered one skill, they should concentrate on another.

Positive reinforcements like belly scratches and hugs help in keeping your puppy eager for his classes.

• Reward your pooch:

Dogs also want to be rewarded for their efforts.

Give them a canine payday through treats, praise, and attention.

Select nutritious dog treats to avoid upsetting his diet.

Give him his favourite chew toy as a prize if he does something right. A feeding toy that dispenses treats is always a good choice.

• Be consistent:

Set a suitable time and location for regular training. Puppies thrive on consistency.

Make sure to use the same basic commands that he already knows. Puppies can become confused if family members use various terms for the same command.

Now, we’ll check out the two common methods to help you get started with puppy obedience training:

• Clicker Training

This technique uses a distinctive clicking sound your puppy will hear whenever they perform something right. You'll then treat them afterwards. Pick a tasty treat that is small and only given during training.

• Lure Training

Lure training is a faster technique to reinforce good behaviour. To lure your dog, use treats or a beloved toy.

By using this technique, you don't need to coerce your puppy into any situation. Instead, you draw them into the desired position by offering the preferred reward as a lure. They receive the incentive when they cooperate.

Three Basic Commands to Get You Started

• Name Recognition

It’s important to teach your pooch to recognize their name before you begin any training.

Reinforce name recognition by addressing his name now and then.

If your dog looks at you when you call their name, that indicates they are responding correctly.

• "Come"

Your puppy should be in a collar and leash before starting this command.

Pull his leash gently in your direction while keeping him some distance apart. Say, “Come.”

Give him a treat, praise, or hug once he approaches you.

Repeat this exercise until your canine masters it.

• "Sit"

The “Sit” command is easy enough to teach your pup. Start holding a treat to your dog's nose and slowly raising your hand. This should cause your puppy to follow your hand with their head.

Say "sit" while they are sitting naturally. Repeat this exercise and give him treats or praise each time he succeeds.

You can also reinforce the sit command by gently pushing his lower back.

Related: How to Stop Your Dog's Excessive Barking

Common Obedience Training Problems

Puppy obedience training requires patience, and it’s common to have setbacks. You might encounter some stubborn behaviour. However, rewarding your pooch for good conduct can help with his training.

Your dog may exhibit typical behavioural issues, like barking, jumping, or hostility. Interrupting bad behaviour is the best approach to fixing it. Try practising commands your dog has mastered, then rewarding him after each one.

Maintain a calm, assured demeanour and be explicit in what you mean. The secret to success is positive reinforcement.

Punishment during training or getting upset is a common mistake during training. Remember that they’re still confused and are getting used to what you want them to do.

Treats and positive reinforcement can help you keep your dog focused. Then again, when your Fluffy Friend shows signs of boredom or exhaustion, it's time to stop. Aim to leave sessions on a happy note.

With perseverance and consistency, your pup can achieve success!

Related: What To Do if Your Dog Has Anxiety

Conclusion

Puppy obedience training is a critical aspect of responsible pet ownership. Providing your canine with the appropriate training and socialisation can make them well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs.

Obedience training can also strengthen the bond between you and your fur baby, making your relationship more enjoyable and rewarding. Being patient, consistent, and positive when training your puppy is essential, as this will help them learn and retain new behaviours.

Remember that every puppy is unique, and training techniques may need to be adapted to suit their needs. You can help your puppy develop into a happy, healthy, and well-behaved family member with time and effort.

 

 

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