Top tips to help you with obedience training your puppy.
Tip #1 - Train the Trainer
Before you get started (and preferably before you even bring your new puppy home) make sure you are well prepared. This means researching and reading what you can about puppy training and obedience. Take advantage of the resources available today (both online and at your library), and get familiar with the particular breed of your puppy. In addition, talk to your local vet and other pet owners about their experiences. Doing so will help you get up to speed with the behavioural characteristics of your puppy’s breed and give you an informed idea of what lies ahead. And do not worry, obedience training is not typically difficult but like most things, the better prepared you are the more success you and your puppy can achieve.
Tip 2 - Remember the Basics
Your puppy’s first training sessions should be at home and in a distraction free environment. What you are trying to do initially is to have your puppy pay attention to your commands; start with calling his/her name and following with keywords such as “watch” or “here”. Be patient and consistent; remember that regular training at the beginning of your puppy’s life can pay huge benefits later on down the track.
Tip #3 - Learn the 4 Basic Commands
Start your puppy with the four most basic of commands; “sit”, “down”, “stay” and “come”. Note that the success of your puppy learning these commands is determined largely by how consistent you are with the command and the associated action. Your puppy must hear the command and see the action to first understand.
“Sit”
The first basic command is of course “sit” with the associated action of gently pushing your puppy’s backside down as you say the command. Make sure your puppy understands this command before moving on to the “down” command.
“Down”
A very important command. Dogs (and particularly puppies) are easily excited and jumping up is a natural way for your dog to show his/her excitement. Teaching your puppy at an early age that this is not acceptable is the key, so on every attempt your puppy makes to jump up use the “down” command.
“Stay”
The third basic command is “stay”. This is a good command to teach with the use of a puppy treat; place the treat in front of your puppy and as soon as he/she moves towards the treat say the word “stay”. A great action to use with this command is to raise your hand (as to illustrate “stop”) when saying the command.
“Come”
The natural progression from learning the “stay” command is of course the opposite - to “come”. This command is particularly important as it teaches your puppy that a command is needed when it is ok to get up and approach you. Remember to change the tone of your voice to that of excitement when using this command, and even action by tapping your legs when saying the command.
Tip #4 - Obedience School
After regular obedience training at home, enrol your puppy in your local neighbourhood dog obedience training classes. They are bound to have a puppy specific class available and it is a great opportunity to get your puppy socialising and interacting with other puppies and people. Training in classes effectively builds on the basics learnt whilst at home but with the added distractions of having other dogs and people around.
Last thoughts
Obedience training can be a fun activity for both you and your puppy in addition to being a great way to bond with your puppy at an early stage of its’ life. A consistent approach coupled with regular training sessions will bring great results.
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