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Puppy Training

 

Why training your puppy is important

However delightful your puppy is, never forget that he’s going to grow up – and to be a happy, well-adjusted adolescent and adult dog, he needs good training. Your training methods should always be kind, calm and reward-based – never shout or hit, because that will simply upset him. We recommend a technique known as positive reinforcement whereby good behaviour is rewarded through praise and treats. Our staff at Pet Essentials will be happy to discuss this technique with you.

A common reason for young dogs to end up in rescue is poor training – their first owners weren’t prepared to spend the time getting them to behave properly, and often give up on them. So it’s clear that training is essential. You can teach yourself via books which you can buy at Pet Essentials, but a great place to start is at puppy socialisation classes at your vets or via local dog groups. Our notice board in store is worth checking for advertised classes.

House training

With house training, the key is to identify the place where you want your puppy to go, take him there often, and every time he performs make a huge fuss of him, with praise and treats (Positive Reinforcement). Take him out frequently – after play, feeding, exercise, entertainment, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and at least once an hour. Stay with him, so you can reward him there and then, and if nothing happens wait a few minutes before you bring him in and then try again in an hour. Accidents will happen, especially at night time. If you are there when it’s happening, interrupt him and take him out to the right place, and reward him then. Don’t punish him if you weren’t there, because he won’t understand. Puppy crates and wee wee pads can help with house training, because he won’t go where he sleeps. Finally, if you take him out for a walk, make sure you keep going after he’s done his stuff – because he needs his exercise and fun just as much as he needs to ‘go’.

Chewing is a part of puppy teething – you can’t stop it, but you can give him some good chew toys (some of which you can stuff with food or treats, so he has a built-in reward) and make sure he can’t get at anything you don’t want him to chew.

Puppy proofing your home

Getting down to your puppy’s level can help dog-proof your house. Imagine he’s a toddler and make sure the puppy can’t get hold of anything he shouldn’t – trailing wires, unstable shelves, bottles of bleach, medicines, even houseplants. If you don’t want him to have it, or it’s potentially harmful – move it! Check the garden too – look out for puppy-sized holes in hedges or fences, and make sure pesticides are locked away.

Finally remember that when you get your puppy home he is going to experience lots of new things. Travelling by car, being left alone and meeting new people for example can all be new and frightening situations for a puppy.

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New Puppy! What next… ?

The day your new puppy comes home is the start of a new life, and a great adventure for all of you, one which we hope you will enjoy for many years to come, as your puppy becomes a real part of the family. For your puppy, it’s also a big upheaval – he or she will be missing Mum and brothers and sisters, and will have to get used to a whole new house, lifestyle and people.

What to buy

It’s much easier to get what you need for your new puppy in advance, rather than dashing out when he’s come home because you’ve forgotten something. Here’s a reminder of some useful items:

Puppy crate (if using)

Dog bed and bedding

Food and water bowls – one for each

Food – it’s best to stick with the one he’s used to, at least at the start, we will be very happy to advise if you are not sure.

Collar and lead, plus dog tag

Brush and comb

Toys

Wee wee pads

Training treats

Puppy Shampoo

Setting up home

Decide in advance where he’ll eat and sleep – he needs peace and quiet for both. A puppy crate is ideal, or somewhere like the utility room or a room that is not used too often – just make sure anything your pup might be tempted to chew is out of the way!

Just like human babies, puppies need their sleep – so don’t disturb him when he’s napping, and make sure he has somewhere quiet and comfortable to snooze out of the way of a busy household. He’ll also need to learn where to go to the toilet, what meal times are all about, how to play nicely with children or other pets in the house, which toys are his, what he’s allowed to do and what’s out of bounds. And of course, he’ll have to visit the vets for a check-up and his vaccinations, as well as learn to wear a collar, walk on a lead, come when he’s called, and other basic commands, all of which are going to keep him (and you!) pretty busy for the next few months.

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