Your New Puppy
Easy Puppy Training - Table of Contents
What you will find on this lens.
Why Take Puppy Classes?
The dictionary defines socialisation as "the process where an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills". Many people do not realise exactly how important this stage is for a puppy.
Just as with humans a young dog is learning his role in life. You want your pet to understand his role in the family pack. The earlier you establish this the better.
By taking your puppy to classes you are giving your dog a chance to interact with other animals in a controlled environment. He can learn how to correctly behave around other animals and what is expected of him when he is introduced to a new animal. He will also be learning that regardless of what is occurring around him, you are the one in charge. You are the pack leader.
Puppies need to get out and experience as many different things as possible. The more situations that you can introduce your puppy to the better. Classes will expose your dog to a wide variety of people. The more people the better.
While puppy obedience is part of the class, you want this to be a positive experience for your pet. It is not a competition. If your dog is not doing particularly well at the obedience side of things, practice a little more at home. But remember, one of the primary goals is socialisation and every time you go to class you are helping him to adapt and adjust to his world.
Puppy Safety Poll
If your dog gets lost what have you done to identify him?
Put Your Puppy on a Leash
Dog Leash Training
One of the most important things about puppy training is going to be teaching your puppy to be on his leash. For most of his life anywhere he goes, he is going to have to be on a leash. The sooner he gets accustomed to the idea the better. And the sooner he learns how to behave when leashed the better for both of you.
To get your new puppy used to the leash, buy a very light, short leash and let him wear it around the house. Just allow the dog to drag the leash around, he will soon forget that it is even there. Do this for a couple of minutes at a time but do it as often as you can manage. Remember never to leave the puppy alone while he is dragging the leash.
Once puppy is accustomed to the leash, you want the puppy to start getting used to following you around. Tie the leash to your waist and let puppy play. Call him to you. Give him lots of praise and rewards when he comes. Remember the golden rule 'Nobody pulls'. As you move around call him to follow you. Praise him every time he comes. If he starts to move away, or gets distracted stop and stand still. You want to learn that if he pulls, he goes nowhere. And it is far easier to teach a small dog this than a 100 pound beast who wants to go in another direction.
Practice as often as possible. Get your spouse and children to do this with the dog as well. It will let the dog know that whoever is on the other end of the leash is the one in charge. Practice frequently and keep the sessions short. Don't become angry or frustrated, this is a learning time, keep it light and happy. Lots of love and praise during your dog leash training routine will go a log way.
More Puppy Training ideas and instruction.
Puppy Training Video
Puppy Grooming
Dog Grooming Instructions - Start Early
Bath time:
Bathing a dog doesn't have to be difficult. Start early and get your puppy used to being in a bathtub. Don't put any water in the tub but gently put the dog in and give him a treat. Praise him for being a good boy. After a week of this put a little water at one end and just allow him to explore. You want to teach your puppy that bath time is fun time.
Clipping Nails:
It is probably not necessary to actually clip your pups nails but you can start getting him ready. Handle your dog's feet. Get him used to you touching and manipulating his feet. Praise him for sitting quietly while you play with his toes. Give him a treat or two.
Brush Time:
Start brushing early. Have lots of treats handy and a soft brush. When puppy is tired get him to sit with you quietly while you gently brush him. Praise him for his good behaviour. Don't worry about actually brushing, use a soothing tone and praise him for allowing you to brush. Do not turn it in to a game. You do not want him biting or attacking the brush. Try giving him something to chew while you brush.
Hair Driers:
If you have a dog with long hair you might want to introduce him to a hair drier. Have him in the bathroom while you dry your hair. Get him used to the noise. Give him a few treats while you have the drier on. Turn the drier on while he is playing. The more often you do this the better. Soon he won't even notice it is on.
Teeth Brushing:
The first thing you want to do is get your dog used to you having your hands in and around his mouth. As early as possible start gently rubbing his gums. Don't worry about using a brush. Use your fingers to start. Once he is used to you touching his mouth and teeth try using finger brush. Don't worry abut toothpaste. At this point you are still trying to get him used to the brushing.
More Dog Grooming Instructions
More Dog Training Videos
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Cool Dog Photos
