How to Start Puppy Training

Lots of early days training information can be found in our

FREE Puppy eBook. 

Introduction

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time. Puppies are cute, cuddly, and adorable. But they are also like little sponges, ready to soak up knowledge and wisdom. Training is all about building a strong bond, having fun with your pup, as you teach pup, step-by-step, all you want them to know.

What is Training and How do we get Started

Let’s address that daunting word ‘training’. It sounds formal and demanding, doesn’t it? But try to think of ‘training’ as a way of spending quality time with your puppy and providing the mental stimulation that all pups need. Mental stimulation will tire your pup out, which means you all stand a chance of getting a good night’s sleep. Training is all about building your bond as you teach pup how you would like them to behave and the things you would like them to do.

Positive-reward based training is the best, proven method when it comes to teaching your pup the ropes. But, and this is a big ‘but,’ it’s absolutely vital to use it correctly. Incorrect use of positive-reward based training, can lead to a pup that ‘holds you to ransom’ and only does the things you ask when you have a treat in your hand. Do your research, use positive-reward training properly and you will end up with a furry friend that’s a pleasure to be around and that you can take wherever you choose.

When should Training Begin: Start on Day One

The moment your pup’s paws enter your home, the clock starts ticking on their puppy learning. Yes, even on day one, training begins, and it’s not all about strict lessons. It’s about setting the right tone and helping your puppy settle in to their new surroundings.

Exploration Day: Day 1

On the first day, your puppy will need to explore every nook and cranny of their new home. So, let them sniff their way, safely supervised, through this exciting day. It’s essential for them to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.

Just remember, exploration is encouraged, but must be supervised with some gentle guidance. Put things of danger or your favourite shoes away.

On Day 1, do start with some gentle toilet training by taking pup outside every hour to give them chance to toilet outside.

Use Day 1 to introduce pup to his crate and his bed. Showing pup their own ‘settle and sleep’ place.

Toilet Training: Day 2 and Beyond

Day 2. Time to get serious about toilet training.

Look on the internet and toilet training can seem like a minefield. You might be wondering whether to use puppy pads. Well, that’s a topic worthy of its own article – click here for that one. The best way, to toilet train your puppy, is to start them weeing and pooping outside from the beginning.

If you need a toilet training sheet, please click here.

 Crate Training: Do you need a Crate

Some people cringe at the thought of putting their pup in a crate, but trust me when I say it’s not a doggy jail. It’s their cosy, safe haven. If you have children, try to think of it as like your children having their own bedroom.

A well-introduced crate can be your best friend in training your puppy. A crate will support your toilet training, it will help you to stop puppy biting and stop puppy jumping up. But, it’s also a safe place for pup to be when left unattended. It gives pup boundaries and will help pup to settle and sleep. Your pup will learn that it’s a great place to nap and relax.

If your puppy is happy and settled in their crate, it is absolutely fine to use the crate for ‘time-out’ when training your puppy.

If you need a crate training sheet, click here. 

Quality Time, Not Boot Camp

Remember, the key to successful puppy training is to make it a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. It should be a series of enjoyable activities that strengthen your bond and build trust.

Use treats and positive reinforcement wisely. Reward good behaviour promptly. If you hand-feed your puppy, in the early days your pup’s food will most likely be reward enough. Remember, praise and affection are powerful rewards too! You can find information about hand-feeding by clicking here.

Conclusion: Your Guide to Getting the Perfect Pooch

In conclusion, starting your puppy’s training journey doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, it should be a great adventure filled with laughter, wagging tails, and, yes, some frustration too. When things get frustrating, just pop pup in their crate, walk away, have a cuppa and come back relaxed and fresh.

If things are going wrong, and they will, it’s not pup’s fault. Pup isn’t doing anything wrong they just don’t understand what you want. Maybe at times they are being a little stubborn, but that’s all your responsibility to put right in a kind and fair way.

Positive-reward based training, used correctly, is your golden ticket to raising a well-behaved and happy pup.

Enjoy this incredible journey and if you need help or want some professional input, check out our puppy training options.

Don’t forget, lots of early days training information can be found in our FREE Puppy eBook.