Congratulations on getting a new puppy! Here are the first 10 lessons that you should teach your new furry friend:
Teaching your new puppy good habits and manners is an important part of responsible pet ownership. It takes time, patience, and consistency to teach a puppy how to behave and interact with others, but it is well worth the effort. Some things you can teach your puppy
Potty training
Potty training is one of the most important things you can do for your new puppy. It will take some time and patience, but it is a necessary step in helping your puppy become a well-behaved adult dog. To begin potty training, you’ll need to establish a consistent routine for taking your puppy outside to go to the bathroom. This should include taking them outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime.
Choose a specific spot in your yard or on a designated potty walk for your puppy to go to the bathroom, and use a specific command, such as “go potty,” to signal that it’s time to do their business. When your puppy goes to the bathroom in the designated spot, be sure to give them lots of praise and rewards, such as treats and toys, to encourage them to continue going in the right spot.
Basic obedience commands
Teaching your puppy basic obedience commands is essential for helping them understand what you expect from them and for keeping them safe. Start by teaching them the commands “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” To teach “sit,” hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose and slowly raise it over their head. As they lift their head to follow the treat, their bottom should naturally drop to the ground. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat.
Repeat this process until your puppy is consistently sitting on command. To teach “stay,” start by having your puppy sit and then hold your hand in front of them and say “stay.”
Slowly move a few steps away, and if they stay put, give them a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “stay” command as your puppy becomes more proficient. To teach “come,” start by having your puppy sit and then use a treat to lure them towards you while saying “come.” As soon as they reach you, give them the treat and praise. Repeat this process until your puppy is consistently coming to you on command.
Leash training
Leash training is important for your puppy’s safety and for taking them out in public. Start by getting your puppy used to wearing a leash and collar by letting them wear it around the house for short periods of time. Then, start walking with them on a leash in your yard or a secure area. Use treats and praise to encourage them to walk with you, and use a gentle tug on the leash to correct any pulling. Gradually increase the length and difficulty of your leash walks as your puppy becomes more comfortable and proficient.
Socialization
Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to a variety of people, places, and experiences so they can learn to be confident and well-adjusted. It is important to socialize your puppy early on, as this will help them learn how to interact with the world around them and prevent them from developing fear or aggression later in life. To socialize your puppy, take them on walks, to dog parks, and to meet friends and family.
Introduce them to different types of people, including children, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Take them to new environments, such as the beach, the forest, and the city. Expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells to help them become well-rounded and confident dogs.
Handling and grooming
Handling and grooming are important skills for your puppy to learn, as they will need to be handled and groomed by a veterinarian or groomer at some point in their life. To get your puppy used to
Crate training
Crate training can be a great tool for house training and for keeping your puppy safe and secure when you can’t supervise them. Start by introducing them to the crate slowly and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend in it.
Boundary training
It’s important to teach your puppy what areas of your home and yard are off-limits. Use baby gates, exercise pens, or other barriers to establish boundaries, and consistently enforce them with positive reinforcement.
Manners
Teach your puppy good manners by consistently reinforcing behaviors like not jumping on people or begging for food. Use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage good behavior.
Training through play
Training doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Use playtime as an opportunity to teach your puppy new skills and reinforce good behaviors.
Problem-solving
Encourage your puppy’s natural curiosity and problem-solving skills by providing them with toys and puzzles to play with. This will help them stay mentally stimulated and entertained.
Remember to be patient and consistent with your training, and always use positive reinforcement techniques. With a little time and effort, you’ll have a well-behaved and happy puppy in no time!