New Puppy Training

Before you get your puppy, it would be a good idea for you to make a list of the behaviors that are important for your pup to learn to fit in easily with your lifestyle.

Housetraining is usually at the top of the list. A gentle nature or good disposition. A dog that doesn't beg when you are eating. A dog that comes when called... etc. This should be a personalized list based on your lifestyle. If you entertain guests often, then it will be important to teach your dog to behave properly around a lot of people and not to steal food from low tables where you may have appetizers out. If you travel, it may be important that your dog learns to travel and be comfortable meeting strangers, and since grooming will be an important part of your dog's life, you will want him to behave well at the groomer's.

The goal of obedience training for your puppy is to redirect natural puppy instincts and behavior into those which are appropriate for a domestic setting. It also establishes good communication between puppy and owner and establishes a foundation to settle any future behavior issues. Obedience training is training the puppy to obey certain commands such as sit, stay, come and teaching them to heel. These basic commands can make him a much more desirable pet as he gets older and grows into a dog.

Before giving a word command to your dog, speak its name to get its attention; then speak a one-word command such as "stay," "sit," "come" or "heel." Be patient with your pet. He'll get it, he just needs some time and some help from you.

When you give a puppy a command make sure no is not an option. This is important from early on because you don't want him to question what you say. Veterinary offices are steady with dogs who were running towards the street, ignored "Come!" and were hit by a car. Do not call your dog to come to you for punishment because this will teach your dog not to come on command.

When speaking the commands, say them loudly and clearly, repeating them often. The dog may have to hear the commands over and over, but will soon begin to associate the word with its meaning.

The best way to teach your dog acceptable behavior is to praise him when he does something good and even when you redirect a bad behavior.

Behavioral training prevents and or corrects bad habits that your puppy or dog may develop or already has developed. Jumping, car chasing, begging, climbing on furniture, and chewing are just a few. It is very important to be consistent during the training process.

Jumping, especially if you have a large breed, may cause problems later on. Never pet or reward your puppy for jumping on someone. There is nothing wrong in telling someone NOT to allow it as well.

Housetraining. When you first get your puppy, if possible, you need to take him or her out many times a day. This is time well spent. You will avoid 'accidents' later on. It can take several months to truly housetrain puppy.

Biting and mouthing is common in puppies and dogs especially in play. Dogs must learn to inhibit their bite and normally, they would learn this from their mother, their littermates and other members of the pack. But, because we take them away from this environment before this learning is completed, we must take over the training.

Barking is a perfectly natural canine behavior. Birds sing; frogs croak; and a dog barks, whines and howls. If you have a dog, you better expect some barking, whining or howling. It is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is under control.

Positive rewards with praise and occasional treats are the key to successful training. If you want your dog to be sweet and gentle natured, then don't spank him or shove his nose in his mistakes. Dogs who are rewarded with love and kindness for good behavior will try harder to please than dogs who are reprimanded overzealously. Puppies are going to make a lot of mistakes. They have a great deal to learn, so it will take an incredible amount of patience on your behalf.

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Crate training is one of the most efficient and effective ways to train a puppy or dog. Crate training can be an efficient and effective way to house train a dog. Dogs do not like to soil their resting/sleeping quarters if given adequate opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. Temporarily confining your dog to a small area strongly inhibits the tendency to urinate and defecate. However, there is still a far more important aspect of crate training.

First, choose a crate that just the right size to allow your pet to stand up and turn around without difficulty, and one that has ventilation. Introduce your pet to the crate gradually each day by placing a pad or cushion so it will be as comfortable as possible. Secure the door so it will not accidentally shut close and startle your pet. Also include your pet's favorite toy and a bowl of water. Do not be afraid of soiling, as dogs or cats rarely soil on their sleeping den.

Crates should only be intended as a place to keep pets temporarily for a few hours. Puppies that are 3-4 months old can only be kept inside the crate for a maximum of 2-3 hours, after which there should be a break. As the pet grows older, you may keep it in the crate longer but never leave any pet inside for up to 8 hours. If no one from the family can be home for lunch, make sure a pet sitter or neighbor can provide the crate break.

Tips for crate training your new puppy

• Use a crate carefully - don't ABUSE it. Your puppy needs to feel secure in his crate. Don't use it to punish him. If he is thrown in the crate and isolated, he sees it as confinement and not his den.
• Buy a good quality crate. For a full-grown Labrador it needs to 39-42 inches long. When using the larger crate for a young puppy, partition the crate so he only has access to part of it until he is house trained.
• Crate training is an effective way of house training your puppy, but remember to make sure that your puppy has frequent breaks from confinement and lots of human contact!