Puppy Training Near Me + Best Puppy Training Tips

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Introducing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time! Those big eyes, fuzzy paws, and puppy breath melt your heart. But that cute bundle of fur is also a lot of work. Training your puppy properly from the start will make them a happy, well-behaved dog for years to come. Follow these puppy training tips to get started on the right paw.

Choose a Designated Potty Spot

One of the first things to train your puppy is where to go potty. Take them to the same spot in the yard every time and use a command like “go potty.” Give treats and praise when they go in the right spot. This teaches them where their bathroom is. Be patient and consistent, and accidents will decrease.

Crate Train Gradually

Crate training utilizes a dog’s natural instinct to not soil their sleeping area. Make the crate comfortable with a bed and toys. Start with short periods of time with treats and praise. Slowly increase the duration as they adjust. The crate should be a safe space, not a punishment.

Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on routine. Set up designated times for feeding, potty breaks, training sessions, playtime, and walks. Try to stick to the schedule as closely as possible. Routines will help with potty training and behavior. Your pup will learn when to expect dinner or when it’s time for bed.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward-based training uses praise, treats, and play to reinforce good behaviors. Say “yes!” and give a treat when your puppy goes potty outside. Give treats during training sessions. Play afterward. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages repetition of desired behaviors. Avoid punishment like yelling or rubbing their nose in accidents.

Practice Basic Commands

Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Keep training sessions short and focused on one command at a time. Use treats to lure your puppy into positions for sit and down. Give the command, then reward. Increase distance and distractions slowly over time. Practice every day for 5-10 minutes. Stay positive!

Manage Chewing and Nipping

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Provide plenty of chew toys to sink their teeth into. If they nip hands or ankles, say “ouch!” loudly and walk away. Consistency will teach them that human skin is off limits. Keep your patience and don’t punish mouthy behavior. Redirect to a toy instead.

Socialize Early and Often

Early positive experiences with people and other animals prevent fear later on. Safely introduce your puppy to new sights, sounds, smells, and people. Ask friends and family to give treats when meeting your puppy. Sign up for a puppy kindergarten class. Go on car rides, walks, and explore new environments together.

Patience and Consistency Are Key

Housetraining and basic commands will take weeks or months to master. There will be accidents and chewed up shoes along the way. Stick to your schedule, use lots of praise and treats, and be as consistent as possible. Your hard work will pay off with an amazing canine companion.

Bringing home a new puppy is filled with joy and challenges. Following these puppy training tips will get you off to the best start on your puppy’s lifelong learning journey. With time, positive reinforcement, routine, and persistence, your furry friend will become a well-adjusted member of your family.