This guide will help you train your puppy step by step.
When can you start training your puppy?
The training of a puppy begins as soon as it is brought home. This usually happens at around 8 weeks. They can be taught basic puppy training commands such as sit, come, and stay at this age.
How to train your puppy
Start your puppy’s training with these basic tips.
Use Positive Reinforcement
You may have seen or heard of many different ways to train your puppy. There is, however, only one method of dog training that has been scientifically proven to be effective. That’s positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding a desired behavior. The use of punishment–including harsh corrections; correcting devices such as shock, choke, and prong collars; and dominance-based handling techniques–should be avoided, because these can produce long-term consequences that result in various forms of fear and anxiety for your dog as an adult dog.
Find out what rewards your puppy enjoys. You can train your puppy with a simple piece of kibble, but some puppies will find something more exciting, such as a special treat.
There are also pups that do not respond to food in any way. Find a toy that the puppy will enjoy and reward them with when they perform well. Praise can also be used to reinforce positive behavior in a puppy. You may only need to pet your puppy or show excitement, and say “good job!” for basic training.
Keep training sessions short
Keep the sessions short. Aim for an average of 15 minutes a day. End your session with a positive message to keep them excited about the next one!
Train your puppy consistently
Consistency is key when it comes to training and cues. When teaching your puppy the basic cues, such as sit, come, and stay, use the same hand sign or word.
Even when it is not convenient, it is important to reinforce the desired behavior consistently. If your dog is at the front door and needs to go out to use the toilet, stop whatever you’re doing, let him or her out, then reward them.
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Practice in Different Environments
It is very different to train your puppy in a home environment than taking it out into a new place like a beach or park. The variety of sights and smells that they will experience outside the house is the reason for this.
Try to train your dog in different environments to make him confident, no matter the situation. Keep in mind that dogs should not be allowed to go into areas with a large number of other dogs until their vaccination series is complete.
Be Patient
Just like children, puppies are learning and growing. It is possible that they will make mistakes or not understand everything you ask.
Stick with it. All puppies will learn at different rates. Don’t be frustrated. A consistent schedule of feeding, potty stops, naps and playtimes will help your puppy to feel more secure. And a puppy that feels secure is better able to learn.
Basic Puppy Training Timeline
When do you start teaching your dog different cues to behave? When should housetraining begin? You can use this puppy training schedule.
7-8 Weeks Old
Basic Cues: Sit, Stay, Come
As early as seven weeks, you can begin basic cues:
- Once, say a command such as “sit”.
- Treats can be used to get your dog in a sitting position.
- When your dog is sitting, reward him with a treat and praise.
Leash Training
At this age, you can begin leash training inside. It is not safe for puppies to walk around other dogs at this age, as they haven’t had their full vaccinations.
Start off by letting the dog wear the collar/harness only for short periods of time, while giving treats. Slowly increase the duration. You can start walking around the house on a leash without distractions once your puppy has learned to come to you. Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, you can start training them outside.
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General Handling
Your puppy should be used to being handled. Rub their paws and ears gently while rewarding your puppy. It will help them get used to being touched in those areas, making veterinary visits or nail trimmings less stressful as they age.
8-10 Weeks Old
Crate Training
Your puppy should view their crate in a calm and safe way. Bring them into their crate at 10-minute intervals when they are calm. Reward your dog for staying in the crate. You can feed them inside their crate in order to create a positive atmosphere.
10-12 Weeks Old
Learn Not to Bite
At this age, puppies become more mouthy. should teach your puppy not to bite you or your ankles. If they begin to bite at you, redirect their attention to something more appropriate, like a toy.
12-16 Weeks Old
Potty Training
It is essential to maintain a schedule for toilet training. Take your puppy outside first thing in morning, right after eating and also after naps and playtime. By this time, they should have enough bladder control to be able to hold the urine. Treat your dog every time they use the outside bathroom.
Six Months Old
By this time, puppies are in the adolescent stage. This is the hardest stage to begin training. It is therefore important to begin training your puppy as soon as possible. You will now continue to train them in a more distracting and public setting, such as dog parks.
