Puppy training can be a challenge for many first-time dog owners, and believe me, I’ve seen my fair share of stubborn puppies give even experienced owners a run for their money. But I’m here to tell you that training your puppy doesn’t have to be a nightmare. I’ve helped countless clients navigate this journey, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
Contents
Type of Puppy
Finding the right puppy to start with can be challenging, especially when trying to find a popular dog breed. I remember when my client Sarah was desperately searching for Lab Puppies for sale. We eventually found her the perfect Lab, and she was amazed at how easy he was to train. The breed you choose creates a difference in your pup’s trainability, and I’ve noticed certain types may be easier to train than others.
Finding the right puppy to start with can be challenging, especially when trying to find a popular dog breed. For example, it might be challenging to find Lab Puppies for sale, but they can make for a perfectly behaved puppy who is easy to train.
| Easily Trained Puppies | Hard-to-Train Puppies |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Afghan Hound |
| Golden Retriever | Basset Hound |
| Poodle | Beagle |
| Border Collie | Bulldog |
| German Shepherd | Chow Chow |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Siberian Husky |
| Doberman Pinscher | Borzoi |
| Papillon | Pekingese |
| Australian Shepherd | Basenji |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Shih Tzu |
Make a Schedule
I always tell my clients to adhere to a consistent schedule for nearly every facet of their puppy’s life. When my friend Mike implemented this with his new Beagle puppy, he was amazed at how quickly his pup caught on. Your puppy will have an easier time understanding what to expect when they know what time they’re going for a walk, going outside to potty, and when they will have a meal.
Focus on Verbal Commands
In my experience, focusing on verbal commands boosts how well a puppy will behave in group settings and ensures they will come when called. I’ll never forget how proud my client Jessica was when her shy Chihuahua finally mastered “come” in a busy park. Verbal commands to sit, stay, come, and lay down are the best beginner commands to help ensure your puppy is well-behaved.
| Command | Description | Personal Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Sit | Teaches puppy to sit on command | I once had a hyperactive Labrador puppy who mastered this in just two days! |
| Stay | Instructs puppy to remain in place | This took weeks with my client’s Beagle, but the pride on their face when he finally got it was priceless |
| Come | Calls puppy to return to you | Crucial for safety. I’ve seen this command save a puppy from running into traffic |
| Down | Directs puppy to lie down | Great for calming excited pups. Worked wonders for a client’s overly enthusiastic Golden Retriever |
| Leave it | Tells puppy to ignore an object or distraction | Saved countless shoes in my household! |
| Drop it | Instructs puppy to release an object from their mouth | Particularly useful when my own pup went through a sock-eating phase |
| Heel | Teaches puppy to walk calmly beside you | Transformed my daily walks with an energetic Border Collie client |
| Quiet | Asks puppy to stop barking | A lifesaver for my apartment-dwelling clients |
| Off | Tells puppy to get off furniture or to stop jumping on people | Helped a client’s Labradoodle learn proper greeting manners |
| Wait | Similar to stay, but implies a release is coming | Great for teaching impulse control, especially at doorways and before meals |
Start Potty and Crate Training Immediately
I always advise starting potty training and crate training immediately. I once worked with a family who waited too long to start, and let’s just say their carpets paid the price! Consider starting with these training methods as soon as your puppy is a few weeks old. Potty training will ensure that your furniture doesn’t get destroyed, and crate training will boost healthy sleep.
Socialize Frequently
I can’t stress enough how important it is to socialize your puppy frequently with other pets. I once had a client whose German Shepherd became overly protective because of lack of socialization. After we worked on proper introductions and positive interactions, the transformation was remarkable. Socialization helps them understand how to treat other dogs and pets better. You may see your puppy get aggressive if you don’t socialize with others enough. I always recommend getting pet insurance to help cover any costs associated with roughhousing or aggression with other pets.
Introduce Chew Toys
Introducing chew toys and other materials for your puppy to chew on can be the perfect solution to destructive behavior. I learned this the hard way when my own puppy decided my favorite shoes were the perfect chew toy! Although chew toys and other pet supplies can be expensive, I’ve found many discounts that can help you offset the costs.
Introduce a Leash
Leash training can help ensure your puppy remains well-behaved in front of other people. I once helped a client whose energetic Labradoodle was a nightmare on walks. After consistent leash training, they were able to enjoy peaceful strolls together. Most states have strict laws on leashes and ensuring that your dog is on one at all times while in public. Get your puppy acclimated to walking calmly on a leash as soon as possible outside for walks.
Find a Trainer
Training your puppy by yourself can be a challenge, but additional options can help you and your puppy learn. I often recommend professional trainers to my clients, especially for more challenging cases. Dog trainers can often be found in pet stores willing to give training sessions to help you teach your puppy.
| Responsibility | Description | Personal Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Assess Dog Behavior | Evaluate the dog’s temperament, existing skills, and behavioral issues | I once worked with a rescue dog who seemed aggressive but was actually just terrified. Proper assessment was crucial for tailoring the right approach. |
| Develop Training Plans | Create customized training programs based on the dog’s needs and owner’s goals | For a client with a service dog in training, I developed a 6-month plan that gradually built the necessary skills. |
| Teach Basic Obedience | Instruct dogs in fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, and heel | I’ll never forget the joy on a client’s face when their “untrainable” Beagle finally mastered the recall command. |
| Address Behavioral Issues | Work on problems like excessive barking, aggression, or separation anxiety | Helped a family’s Labrador overcome severe separation anxiety, transforming their lives. |
| Socialize Dogs | Expose dogs to various environments, people, and other animals | Took a client’s shy Corgi from hiding under furniture to confidently navigating a busy park. |
| Train for Specific Purposes | Prepare dogs for roles like therapy work, service, or competitive sports | Trained a Golden Retriever for agility competitions; she went on to win several local events! |
| Educate Owners | Teach owners how to reinforce training and maintain good behavior | Conducted workshops for new puppy owners, empowering them with knowledge and confidence. |
| Use Various Training Methods | Apply different techniques like positive reinforcement, clicker training, etc. | Adapted my methods for a deaf Dalmatian, using hand signals and vibration collars instead of verbal cues. |
| Provide Ongoing Support | Offer follow-up sessions and advice as dogs progress or face new challenges | Still in touch with many clients, helping them navigate new phases like introducing a baby to the household. |
| Stay Updated on Training Techniques | Continuously learn about new methods and research in dog behavior | Attended a seminar on canine cognitive dysfunction, which helped me assist owners of aging dogs. |
Use Training Treats
Don’t forget to use training treats to help boost positive behaviors and encourage the best in your puppy. I’ve seen dramatic improvements in behavior when my clients consistently use treats as positive reinforcement. The best training treats are low in calories and can be used frequently.
| Treat Type | Benefits | Personal Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Small, soft commercial treats | Low calorie, easy to eat quickly | My go-to for most training sessions. Saw great results with Zuke’s Mini Naturals. |
| Freeze-dried liver | High value, natural, lightweight | A client’s picky Chihuahua would do backflips for these! |
| Cooked chicken pieces | High value, can be cut to size | Used these to help a rescue dog overcome fear of strangers. |
| Cheese cubes | High value, easy to prepare | Perfect for outdoor training. Helped a Lab master recall in a busy park. |
| Carrots | Low calorie, crunchy | Great for teething puppies. A Beagle pup I worked with loved these. |
| Commercial dental treats | Cleans teeth while rewarding | Dual-purpose treat. Helped a client’s dog with tartar issues. |
| Peanut butter in a squeeze tube | Long-lasting, high value | Excellent for grooming training. Used with an anxious Collie. |
| Green beans | Very low calorie, good for dieting dogs | Helped an overweight Bulldog lose weight while still enjoying treats. |
| Commercial training kibble | Nutritionally complete, low calorie | Great for long training sessions. Used these with a service dog in training. |
| Homemade tuna treats | High value, economical | A hit with most dogs. Helped train a water-shy Lab to enjoy swimming. |
Final Thoughts
Training your puppy to be better behaved indoors and outdoors will take time, patience, and effort. I’ve been through this journey myself and with numerous clients, and I can assure you it’s worth it. If you’re ready to dedicate time to ensure your puppy is well-behaved, these tips and tricks can help you achieve balance and cooperation with your adorable new puppy. Remember, every puppy is unique, so don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow. With consistency and love, you’ll get there!