Dogs need to be trained in order to maintain their safety, health, and excellent behaviour. It builds trust and understanding between the dog and its owner which strengthens their relationship. With the help of simple instructions like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” dog owners may better control their animals in daily scenarios, reducing the likelihood of harmful behaviour.
Additionally, training stimulates the mind, which is crucial for a dog’s cognitive growth. By directing the dog’s energy in a constructive way, it helps avoid behavioural problems like excessive barking, chewing, or digging. Moreover, well-trained dogs are frequently more self-assured and at ease in social settings, which facilitates their interaction with both people and other pets.
Indeed, training is crucial for a dog’s protection, particularly in potentially dangerous situations. For instance, training a dog to respond when called can help avoid mishaps in crowded or open spaces. By teaching them appropriate house manners and boundaries, obedience training can also assist dogs in adjusting to a variety of living situations, including rural houses and apartments in the city. All things considered, dog training improves the lives of both owners and their pets by encouraging a cordial and courteous interaction.
Training a puppy is an exciting journey that requires a lot of patience, consistency and positivity. You have to be consistent in order to make your dog a well-behaved companion. Below given, is a step-by-step guide for beginners to ensure a happy and disciplined pup:
Step 1
BUILDING TRUST AND BOND :
Trust is the most important part of any kind of relationship. For a relationship to survive, trust is inevitable. Likewise is with our little puppies. They need to have trust on us and therefore it is our responsibility to strengthen this bond. For this, you can spend some quality time with your little mate to create a sense of trust and safety. You can use gentle handling or you can play or cuddle with your puppy to help them feel secure.
Step 2
Start with the basics:
The foundation for a well-behaved puppy is laid by basic training. Since they are crucial to their everyday routine and behaviour, start with house and crate training.
- Training in the Home
- Establish a Routine: Puppies benefit greatly from routine, so take them outside at regular intervals throughout the day, particularly after playtime, naps, and meals. They are better able to determine when and where to urinate because of this uniformity.
- Choose a Spot: When taking toilet breaks, always go to the same outside location. They will be able to identify the location with self-relieving because of the familiar aroma.
- Reward Success: As soon as your puppy goes outside to relieve themselves, give them plenty of praise and give them food. They are motivated to repeat the activity as a result of this encouraging feedback.
- Handle Mishaps: Mishaps during training are common. Use an enzymatic cleaner to completely clean them in order to get rid of smells and stop reoccurring problems. Never reprimand your puppy since this can make them fearful and confused.
- Crate Instruction
- Pick the Correct Crate: Make sure the crate is big enough for your puppy to comfortably stand, turn, and lie down, but not roomy enough for them to use one end as a restroom.
- Establish a Positive Space: Add cozy blankets and secure toys to the crate to make it feel welcoming. At first, leave the door open so your puppy may freely explore it.
- Present Gradually: Begin by allowing your puppy to use toys and treats in the crate for little amounts of time. Increase the duration gradually to assist them in seeing it as safe and happy place.
Step 3
Provide Fundamental Instructions
For the sake of safety and communication, directives must be taught. Begin with these fundamental directives:
- Sit
Move a reward backward while holding it just above your puppy’s head. They sit naturally as a result of this action. Say “Sit” when they do, and then give them the gift and compliment right away. Do this every day until they react reliably.
- Stay
Teach your puppy to “Stay” after they have learned “Sit.” Say “Stay” and take a gradual step back after asking them to sit. If they maintained their place, come back a few seconds later and give them a reward. Increase the duration and distance gradually over time.
- Come
First, give your dog a leash and gently draw them toward you while yelling “Come.” As soon as they get to you, give them something. Particularly in outdoor environments, this directive is essential for safety.
Step 4
Make Your Puppy Social
Your puppy’s development depends on socialization, which also helps to avoid future hostility or fear. Positively introduce children to a range of people, animals, settings, and noises. Take them to puppy classes, pet-friendly cafes, or parks. They gain confidence and learn how to behave appropriately in a variety of situations when they socialize in a safe context.
Step 5
Use positive reinforcement in step five.
Rewarding good behaviour should always take precedence over penalising poor behaviour. Reinforce desired behaviours, such as sitting quietly or coming when called, with toys, food, or affection. Redirect their focus to suitable substitutes for undesirable habits (such as chew toys for biting). Steer clear of severe penalties since they can make your puppy fearful and weaken your relationship with them.
Step 6
Deal with problematic behaviours as soon as possible.
- Biting or Nipping: Since puppies use their tongues to investigate their surroundings, nipping is common but requires attention. Say “No” forcefully when they bite and divert their focus to chew toys. The secret is consistency.
- Jumping: Look away and ignore your dog until all four paws are on the ground if they leap on you or other people. Reward them for calm behaviour to reinforce good manners.
- Chewing: During the teething process, puppies particularly like chewing. A range of safe chew toys should be available, and forbidden objects such as shoes should be kept out of their reach.
Step 7
Increasing Difficulties Gradually
After your puppy has mastered the fundamentals, take them to more difficult settings with distractions, such busy streets or parks. Practice instructions such as “Come” from a greater distance or “Stay” for longer periods of time. Their training is strengthened and they are better equipped for real-world situations thanks to these activities.
Step 8
Have patience and be reliable
Each dog learns at their own rate, and training requires time. Adapt training sessions to their attention span by keeping them brief (5–10 minutes). Use the same commands regularly and repeat sessions every day. Consistent effort and patience will yield long-lasting outcomes.
Step 9
Include Mental Stimulation and Exercise
A puppy that gets enough exercise is a happy puppy. Frequent exercise, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or walks, helps to burn off extra energy and curb undesirable behaviours. Their minds are kept active and sharp through mental stimulation from puzzle toys, training games, or scent-based activities.
Step 10
If Professional Assistance Is Required
Do not hesitate to seek the advice of a professional trainer if your puppy is displaying severe behavioural problems or if training seems overwhelming. They can offer specialised training and guarantee that your puppy develops into a well mannered friend.
By taking these specific actions, you will develop a close relationship with your puppy and successfully and constructively mould their behaviour. It is possible that you can raise a contented, well-behaved cute buddy with love and a lot of patience. Don’t get agitated easily because, your pup is still learning and it is okay if he make mistakes.