Training a new puppy cannot be done in a day; it’s a process, filled with plenty of positive reinforcement and plenty of love, but it can also be a very difficult thing to do. Even with the rise of dog training technology, there’s a lot that can go wrong, and it can feel like your new puppy is making your life miserable!
And when a time like that comes around, and your house is in tatters because your new puppy just won’t stop, what are you supposed to do? Well, first of all, don’t lose your head! And once you’ve managed that, make sure you keep the points below in mind. Your puppy doesn’t mean to be bad, and you’ve potentially got a lot of work ahead of you.
Who would ever expect that angelic face to be the most mischievous creature imaginable?
Pick Up a Few Tips
Training tips will take you far! Because when you know how to get your puppy to focus on you, and to do so for any period of time, you’ll find it much, much easier to get them to do as you ask. Using a website such as www.puppytrainedright.com can really help with this – a full length course in dog training could go a long way to ensuring you never run into this problem again, if you ever think to adopt another dog.
So, what do you need to know about training, that you don’t already know about? Maybe you’re not training your dog in a suitable environment? If you’re trying to teach them something in a noisy or busy environment, they’re not going to give you their full attention. Similarly, are your training sessions lasting too long? Make sure they last no longer than 10 minutes at a time, to give your puppy a break when they really need one.
Most of all, ensure you’re never doing anything to scare your puppy. Never shout or try to physically punish them, even if it’s just a light tap; similarly, make sure you’re never forcing your puppy into something like a sit, and instead, show them with your finger what you want them to do.
Train Important Commands First
Your puppy won’t immediately know what to do when you bring them home, and even after a few weeks in your home, they may still find it difficult to behave. They’re young, and there’s a whole new world around them! Which is why teaching them key commands goes such a long way.
Your dog needs to learn some commands more urgently than others, to make sure they do what you need them to do in a variety of situations. For example, the ‘Sit’ command is usually taught first, because it’s both an easy one to get to grips with, and also an effective way to keep control over your dog.
Apart from sit, you’re also going to want your dog to know how to ‘Stay’ and ‘Come’, to make sure they respond to you when you call them. This also makes taking them out into the garden much less of a risk, and it helps them to walk nicely when both on and off the lead.
Your Puppy Will Mellow Out!
And finally, make sure you keep in mind that your puppy will mellow out as they get older. One of the best things to do is neuter or spay them while they’re young, to ensure they get rid of those excess hormones that might be spiking their energy or aggression levels. They’ll grow into a much calmer animal, and you’ll definitely see the benefits as they reach their first and second birthday.
So, What Should You Do When Your Puppy Becomes Difficult?
It’s something many dog owners run into. Your puppy is full of energy, and they just won’t listen to you. You’re tearing your hair out, and at some moments when it’s the middle of the night and you just can’t seem to sleep because of your puppy’s actions, you’re thinking of taking them back to where you got them.
But before you do, make sure you take a read through the tips above, and always try to be patient with your little four legged friend. Your dog will one day grow out of this behavior, and training your puppy doesn’t have to be as impossible as it seems right now. Keep at it, lower your expectations, and make sure your puppy feels comfortable being around you.
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