It's not always easy to train a puppy along with you daily duties and chores but as with all new things, it get's a lot easier after a week or two because practice makes perfect. Before you know it, you and your new family member will learn the best way to do things and everyday life will become effortless!
With that, here are five things you want to avoid with your new puppy.
1. DON'T TRICK
Don't trick your dog with positive things such as treats and then punish them when they come. Read more about punishing here! Be upfront about what you want, even if it's a bath, putting them in a collar or a crate. Then reward them afterwards with treats and affection when they do obey.
2. DON'T PARROT
When asking your dog to do something, don't overuse the commands, or they'll learn to sit only when you say "sit, sit, sit, sit".
- Speak calmly and clearly with the same tone of voice.
- When the puppy is still in the process of learning a new command, you want to repeat it a couple times when they do the right thing.
- But after the dog knows a command, don't weaken the command by constantly repeating it.
3. DON'T BEND BOUNDARIES
This can be a most difficult thing to do when you have the cutest new puppy in the house, but the reward is plentiful! A happy dog is a dog that knows their place, knows the rules and is appreciated when obedient.
- Be consistent with training your dog.
- Make sure all family members know the rules and don't make exceptions.
4. DON'T REBUKE IF UNSURE
Don't discipline your dog if you are not sure they understood the rules or commands. This is where the previous points come in handy: consistency and not repeating the commands. Always make sure you have been clear with what you want and that is is something the dog is able understand and execute. Check out our tips to rebuking here!
5. DON'T DELAY ALONE TIME
Young puppies are the quickest to learn, so you want to start familiarizing them with being alone right from the beginning. The first two weeks are crucial to bonding and you don't want to leave your puppy alone for long periods of time.
- Start with just ten seconds and move your way up.
- Give your dog a treat and say "wait", then go to the other room.
- If they bark or start going wild, go back and rebuke them, then step out again.
