Puppy training is challenging and trying at times, but you don’t need to be a professional trainer in order to teach your puppy acceptable and desirable behaviors.  With a basic understanding of canine behavior, love for your puppy, and some professional tips and tricks, puppy training can actually be an enjoyable time for both you and your pet.

It is important to start new puppy training as soon as you bring the new addition home.  Once he’s had a chance to get used to his new surroundings, you need to establish that you are the boss and that he has to follow your rules.  Proper puppy training is the key to making sure your puppy is well-adjusted and happy no matter what breed he is.  Puppy training a sweet-tempered lab is just as important as an aggressive rottweiler.  So when is it time to begin?

Puppies form their social behaviors in the time from birth to about fourteen weeks, so it is important to start training before then.  It is easier to train young puppies than older puppies or adult dogs, so most trainers recommend that you begin at around seven to twelve weeks.  The goal of puppy training is to establish a foundation for behavior and to set boundaries – this will help ensure that your puppy becomes a well-behaved adult.

When puppy training, there are several key factors that you should keep in mind.  One is that your puppy has a very short attention span. Puppies can pay attention for a maximum of about ten minutes.  This means that if you think you can teach your puppy all he needs to know in one afternoon, you’re doomed to fail.  They can only concentrate for a limited amount of time.  It is great to practice training with your puppy for about ten minutes at a time.  If you do this several times a day, then your puppy will make the best progress.

Consistency is another key.  You need to make rules and make sure you, your puppy, and anyone else in your home understands them.  For instance, if you do not allow your dog to jump on you, make sure your spouse doesn’t either. Don’t let him get away with things sometimes but not others– this confuses the puppy.

Related to consistency is follow-through.  When you begin puppy training, make sure you stick with it.  It’s like a child: you don’t want a four or five year old still wearing diapers.  Make sure you complete the process.  You can do this by yourself, with at-home programs, or with puppy training classes.  Whatever method you choose, make sure you continue to train your puppy.

Praise is another very important aspect of puppy training.  Puppies cannot get enough praise.  Catch them doing something good.  Instead of focusing on punishing negative behavior, try to focus on rewarding good behavior.  Puppies respond to verbal praise, petting, or dog treats.  Puppy training can be frustrating, especially when your puppy has an accident or needs to relearn something you have already taught him, but hitting and yelling are counterproductive.  This can cause your dog to become aggressive and insecure, which causes a lot of other behavioral issues.

Puppy training takes time and effort but it is well worth it so your puppy will be a happy, well-behaved member of the family.  You can puppy train at home or get help from a professional trainer or puppy training program if you need it.

Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems.

If you have ever potty trained a child, you should know that potty training your puppy will be just as challenging, but should take far less time. Puppy potty training helps you not only avoid having to deal with messy “surprises” your pet leaves for you, it can help you establish a strong bond with your puppy.

1. Crate train! One of the best things you can do for your puppy is to crate train him. Dogs do not want to soil their sleeping area, so if you purchase a crate that is only big enough for your dog to lie down in comfortably, it will go a long way in helping you to potty train him. Put your puppy in the crate at night or when you are away from home. Be sure not to buy a crate that is too big. If you do, your dog can relieve himself in a corner and then go back to his sleeping area. This is counterproductive.

2. Use a puppy potty training chart! If you keep a record of when your puppy eats and how long after he typically has to relieve himself, it can help you get him outside in time.

3. Be consistent! Feed your dog and take him outside on a consistent schedule. Also, take him out frequently when he is learning to puppy potty train.

4. Give praise! This is really important. Make sure you catch your dog doing good things and praise him for it. This encourages him to repeat good behavior. Try to do this instead of punishing negative behavior.

5. Establish his potty territory! If you have a yard, make sure your dog goes to the same area there to relieve himself. Sometimes dogs get excited to be outside and forget they have to go, but being in that same area will remind him and he’ll do his doggie business quickly. Don’t let him play until he goes because playing is a reward.

6. Accidents will happen! If your dog doesn’t make it outside and messes inside the house, don’t punish him. He tried. Clean it up and take him outside. Praise him when he goes outside.

7. Start early! As soon as you get your puppy, take him outside and start the training.

Using these puppy training tips, your dog will soon be letting you know when he has to go outside. It takes time and persistence, but you can do it. You may, however, run into some puppy potty training problems. What do you do then?

8. What if your puppy refuses? If your dog eliminates inside and refuses to go outside, you could have unintentionally taught him that behavior. This often happens when dogs go and then have their noses rubbed in it or are otherwise punished. If you don’t actually catch your dog soiling the floor, do not punish him. If you wait until after, he won’t understand why he’s being punished. Keep your dog on a regular schedule, don’t punish, and remember to praise.

9. What if your puppy marks his territory? Some dogs – especially those who are insecure – may mark their territory. If yours does this and is male, consider getting him neutered. You can also make sure you take him outside regularly. Don’t punish him because that may make it worse. You’ll need to build trust with the dog to make sure it feels secure.

10. Submissive urinating? Submissive urinating is when the puppy pees when he’s upset and excited. This is not controllable and should not be punished. Your puppy should outgrow this by four to seven months.

The most important thing you can do when potty training a puppy is to praise him. Don’t ignore good behavior. This can be a tough period of dog ownership, but it also helps build trust and good relationships with your pet.

If you need puppy potty training help, there are a lot of resources available:

1. Download Sadie Dal’s excellent eBook: How to Housebreak Your Puppy in 7 Days or Less. It comes with everything you need including puppy potty training schedules and some nice bonus materials. At $19.95 it is a great value.

2. Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems, including house training.

Training your puppy is not about breaking his spirit or making sure he’s robotic in his obedience. When you’ve successfully trained your puppy, he’ll be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Training is about teaching your puppy boundaries and acceptable behaviors, and making sure he feels loved and secure. You can successfully train your puppy to accomplish all of these goals.

Training your puppy early is so important to success. Training adult dogs is possible, but it takes longer because you have to “unteach” the negative behaviors and then teach the appropriate ones. Training early helps to prevent bad behavior in the future: nipping things like chewing, excessive barking or whining, and jumping on people in the bud lets your puppy know what is acceptable and what the consequences are.

Let’s take a look at some common desired outcomes of puppy training and how to address them.

* Training your puppy to sit. Whenever your dog sits on his own, say “Sit.” This will help him associate the word with the action. At first, use treats when practicing the command – it’s amazing how fast he’ll learn! Within a day or two, he should have the sit command down. Keep practicing so he’ll sit in any situation, whether it is meeting new people or being in new places.

* Training your puppy to stay. This is important because it can potentially be a safety issue, if for instance, your dog is about to run into traffic or there are people around and you don’t want him to jump. Have two treats. Tell him to sit and give him a treat when he does. Using your empty hand for emphasis, tell him to stay. (It is easier for him to stay if he is sitting.) If he starts coming to you, say “No.” Keep trying, and start with only very short distances at first. Reinforce with treats and praise. Practice, practice, practice!

* Training your puppy to relieve himself outside. The best method is crate training. Dogs don’t want to soil their own sleeping area, so they’ll learn to control their bladders and bowels. Take them out after meals and give them enough exercise. Once again, praise is important and punishment is often counterproductive.

* Training your puppy to walk on a leash. At first, just put the collar and leash on for a few minutes so your puppy can get used to it. Gradually, restrict his wandering and urge him in the direction you want to go. If pulling is a problem you have, try abruptly changing direction. Give a quick tug and then slacken the leash. Keep doing this so the leash is never pulled taut. If your puppy gets in the habit of pulling, it is very difficult to break.

These are some very common commands you’ll want to teach your dog, but there are many more. Puppy training should help conquer excessive barking, inappropriate chewing, aggressive behavior, jumping, and more. The key is to try to prevent these behaviors from occurring at all, and if they already have, to curtail them so they don’t become lifelong problems. Training your puppy takes time and patience, but you can do it. It is important for both you and your puppy.

If you need help, there are training classes and excellent learn-at-home programs, like the SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems..

Have you ever read a book or instruction manual and been left with no idea of what you are supposed to do? This is common because either it is hard to picture the actions you are supposed to complete or the instructions are not written clearly enough. Whatever the case, it can be a problem when you are trying to train your dog. Many people learn well by watching a demonstration, which is why puppy training videos may be your answer.

There are several options available to new dog owners who want to start training their lovable bundles of energy before they turn into hulking masses of misbehaved dog. You can take private or group classes; this is great for several reasons. One, you have a professional trainer who can help with common puppy training issues. Two, in a class, your puppy will have the chance to learn how to interact with other dogs. Three, you can get feedback and specific information from the instructors.

There are drawbacks, however. Classes can be expensive, especially if you choose to do individual lessons. There may not be classes available in your particular area, or you may not find one with instructors who use the training methods you want. You may have already taken training classes with your puppy and just need help in a specific area or need a little refresher course. If you find yourself in any of these positions, puppy training videos are a perfect solution.

What can a puppy training video offer? That, of course, depends on the video. You should look for a video that covers the following: housetraining, crate training basics, how to curb behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, jumping, straining at the leash, and simple commands like Sit, Stay, and Lie Down.

The benefit is that you’ll be able to watch someone performing the various trainings so you can get an idea of what it looks like. For instance, if you are trying to teach your dog to heel, you may be unintentionally sabotaging your efforts. Watching the video, you’ll notice that when the trainer gives the “Heel” command, he slackens the leash. That may be the key to your success. Just watching someone successfully train puppies can give you ideas and encouragement.

Training your new puppy takes effort and time. Fortunately, there are at-home puppy training video programs, like Puppy Training by Dove Cresswell, available to help you. Be sure to check out the free video lesson on her website.

Training your puppy can be a fun and effective way to bond and build a relationship. It can also be frustrating and time-consuming; with some good puppy training tips, patience, and love for your pet, you can turn puppy training into enjoyable time you spend with your puppy.

Why do you need to train your dog?

Some dogs are naturally loving and gentle. Others are aggressive and dominant. No matter what kind of puppy you think you have, their behavior can cause difficulties if not corrected or guided from early on in their lives. Puppies also have natural tendencies to do “naughty” things like chew, jump on people, nip, and bark. You need to teach your pet that this is not acceptable behavior. One of the most important puppy training tips you can receive is to start early. Don’t wait until your puppy has already learned bad habits.

What can puppy training accomplish?

You don’t have to turn your dog into a performer; he doesn’t need to know how to do fancy tricks. It is important, first and foremost, to make sure that he listens to and obeys you and that he can follow simple commands. Puppy training can teach your dog to respond to his name, stay, sit, heel, accept a leash, relieve himself outside, socialize with other dogs and people, and much more.

Some great puppy training tips

There are a lot of resources available if you need help training your puppy. Programs like SitStayFetch can be done in the comfort of your own home. The important thing is to be consistent. If you don’t want your puppy to lie on the couch, tell him “No,” if he hops up. Do this every time; don’t let him get away with it sometimes. And make sure people in your household know the rules too.

Another important puppy training tip is to remember that your puppy has a short attention span, probably about ten minutes. You should spend about five to ten minutes training your puppy at a time. Do this several times a day for maximum effect.

Make sure training time is fun time. Dogs are like children; they are more likely to respond well if they enjoy the activity. Spending time with you and playing is their favorite part of the day, so make sure you don’t get too wound up if they make mistakes or get excited. Also, you can’t praise a dog enough. Remember to reward good behavior with a simple, “Good dog” or doggie treat. Don’t yell or hit your puppy because this will backfire in the long run and result in an aggressive dog.

Crate train your puppy. This helps with housetraining and helps establish a sense of security for your puppy. Not only will this eliminate furniture and shoe chewing, it will help him establish a routine to relieve his bladder and bowels.

These are just a few puppy training tips. You need to know what kind of temperament your puppy has and then figure out what will work for him. Tips for training a Labrador puppy from a breeder will be very different from tips for training a Rottweiler from an animal shelter. For all dogs, though, patience, love, and consistency are keys to effective training.

Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems, including house training.

Getting a puppy means welcoming a new member of the family for most dog owners. Just like your baby quickly grows into a running, talking, trouble-making little toddler, your puppy will change from a soft, cuddly little bundle to an energetic, barking, eating, pooping dog. How he channels that energy is up to the training you give him. Having a good puppy training plan in place when you get your new puppy will help you provide the best instruction – and structure – for your puppy.

Timing is everything. Begin your puppy’s training immediately. When you bring him home from the pet store or animal shelter, give him a day to get used to his new surroundings. The next day, though, start teaching him the basics of good behavior. What exactly does a puppy training plan include? It should cover health, eating, walking/playing, and hygiene.

The first step is to make sure your puppy is healthy. Puppies should be checked for worms, fleas, and parasites. They should also have their vaccinations up to date. Check with the pet store or shelter to make sure your puppy has the proper shots before you bring him home. A thorough check-up from your vet is also a good idea.

Eating is another major aspect of a puppy’s life. Puppies need more fat, protein, and carbohydrates than adult dogs because their bodies and minds are developing. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day from six to eight weeks. After eight weeks, they need to eat twice a day. By eight or nine months, you can reduce the feedings to once a day. Feed your puppy a food specifically designed for puppies because it will have the correct balance of nutrients.

Your puppy training plan should also include walking and playing. These are the highlights of any dog’s day. Walking should be done on a consistent basis to coincide with meal times. Puppies need more frequent walks than adult dogs because they have less control over their bladders and bowels and they have more energy to expend. Young puppies need to go a lot so be prepared to walk. As for playing, this is vital for your puppy’s development. Make sure he has enough time to play. Tip: don’t bring your dog in as soon as he relieves himself. Many dog owners do this, and it signals to the dog that pooping or peeing means the end of playtime. They’ll hold it in then so they can play. Let them play after they’ve gone.

Hygiene is a key part of any puppy training plan. Keep in mind that your puppy will have accidents. They just don’t have the bladder and bowel control down yet, so be very sparing with admonishments. If you catch your dog in the act of going, sternly say, “No.” Take him out and then praise him for going outside. The best way to housetrain a puppy is crate training. This, in conjunction with frequent walks, will keep him from soiling your home. And praise, praise, praise. Puppies thrive on this and praise now can help eliminate some aggressive or insecure behaviors in the future.

For more help with a specific aspect of your puppy training plan, try a great at-home program like the SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems.

Training your puppy early will ensure that you have the best relationship possible with your pet; puppy training plans make for happy, well-adjusted dogs who can truly be your best friends.

When you welcome a new canine addition into your family, puppy house training is the first thing you need to do. You want to tackle this challenge right away before your puppy learns any negative behavior: it is easier to instill the good habits you want in your puppy than to correct previously learned bad ones. This is harder to do in a grown dog, but housebreaking a new puppy should not be a difficult or protracted experience. You just need some patience and a lot of love for your puppy.

What are the benefits of puppy house training? It allows you to integrate your puppy into your household with minimal problems: less mess in your home, bonding time for you and your pet, and a safe, secure, happy dog. You know it is necessary and good for both of you, but how do you start?

Housebreaking Tips for Puppies

Puppy house training can be difficult for people who have busy work schedules, but it is definitely doable. How long puppy house training takes is dependent upon your dog and your discipline, support, and encouragement. The first thing you need to do is establish a routine for your pet. In this way, puppies are similar to infants. When new parents bring their baby home, they need to work on getting the baby on a regular schedule of sleeping and eating so the baby begins to sleep through the night.

House training your puppy is the same way. You want to get him on a regular routine of “going to the bathroom.” For instance, walk your dog on a regular schedule so he learns when he can relieve himself. Try to be as consistent as possible. For instance, walk him in the morning before you go to work, when you get back, and later in the evening. Your schedule may vary, but work out times when your pet can go. Also, correspond his feeding and watering so he can relieve himself on his walks and not while you are at work.

If you have a yard, you can establish an acceptable area for your puppy to relieve himself. If you do not, you can either use a newspaper lined area or crate training. Crate puppy training, is recommended by trainers because it teaches dogs to control their bladders and bowels. In this area of housebreaking your puppy, supervision plays a big role. If your dog is inside, learn the behaviors he engages in before he goes to the bathroom.

Does he walk around and sniff a certain area? Does he circle the area? If you can figure out his cues, you can guide him outside or to the newspapered area before he goes. As your puppy grows, he will learn how to “ask” to go outside: some dogs go to the door and wait, some fetch their leashes. Either way, that’s a great signal that you are doing a great job with puppy housebreaking.

One of the most important puppy housetraining tips is to not punish your dog unless you catch him in the act. Disciplining him hours later will only confuse him. If you do catch him, try to pick him up and take him outside. Sternly say, “No.” After he goes outside, say, “Good dog.” Don’t carry a grudge – your puppy probably isn’t trying to irritate you. Praise does a lot more good than punishment in both the short and long term.

When you are home, active supervision and praise is best. Try to determine when your dog needs to go out and walk him regularly. When you are in bed or away from home, crate training is an effective, safe, and humane way of housebreaking a puppy. Time, patience, and love are your most important tools.

Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems, including house training.

If you are solely interested in housebreaking your puppy, then Sadie Dal’s excellent eBook: How to Housebreak Your Puppy in 7 Days or Less. It comes with everything you need including puppy potty training schedules and some nice bonus materials. At $19.95 it is a great value.

Some people think that crate training a puppy is cruel and unusual punishment and that the dog is being forced into confinement. This could not be further from the truth. Crate training your puppy is the most effective way to housetrain him, keep your house safe and mess-free, and increase his sense of security and safety.

Housebreaking and Crate Training a Puppy

Crate training your puppy is an effective – and arguably the most effective – method of housebreaking your puppy. Everyone loves their adorable new additions to the house, but no one loves to wake up in the morning to little messes all over the house. Puppy crate training works because dogs do not want to soil their sleeping area. Puppies as young as eight or nine weeks can hold their bladders and bowels for up to seven hours.

Of course, you should keep in mind that when first starting crate training with young puppies, they will not have that level of control so they shouldn’t be left in the crate for extended periods of time. To help insure that puppies have a better chance of not soiling their crate, take them outside immediately before and immediately after they go in the crate. This establishes a routine and lets the puppy know he’s going to get a chance to relieve himself. Do not put water in his crate; just a blanket and a chew toy are needed.

Mess-Reduction and Crate Training a Puppy

Dogs often feel a sense of anxiety when separated from their owners. Some puppy owners will return home to find chewed-on shoes, pillows, clothing, or furniture, dog messes, and all kinds of puppy destruction. Crate training your puppy is an effective way to end such behavior. Putting your puppy in his crate when you leave the house is a good way for him to get used to being in your home without making a mess.

If you take him out for walks and play before and after he goes in the crate, your puppy will be content to stay in his crate while you are unable to supervise him. As he gets older, you may trust your puppy to remain out of the crate while you are gone; some dogs, though, prefer to remain in the crate. That leads us to safety and security.

Security and Crate Training a Puppy

Far from being a punishment, crates are often havens for puppies. Some will even go in of their own volition when they are stressed or bored. Getting a puppy used to a crate is similar to getting an infant used to a crib. They may whine or bark at first – this doesn’t mean they are in pain. It means that they have to get used to it. Starting with small stints is best.

As they become used to it and the routine surrounding the crate, they will willingly and eagerly go into the crate at night or when you have to leave the house. Many dog trainers recommend that owners use crates for their puppies because they like to know they have their own space. This also cuts down on feelings of separation anxiety.

For many people, a big problem with puppy crate training is whining. If your puppy won’t stop barking while crate training, make sure you’re being consistent. If you put the puppy in his crate some nights but not others, this will confuse him.

If your dog barks, ignore it. Like the baby who wants her mother to pick her up, it is a trick! Don’t give in. If it persists, try squirting the dog with a water bottle. That makes barking or whining an uncomfortable thing to do, so it should cease.

Crate puppy training is the best way to allow your pet to feel secure, keep your home from being chewed on, and to help him learn how to control his bladder and bowels. It is not a form of punishment and should not be used as such.

If you punish your puppy by putting him in his crate, you are undoing all of the crate training you have already done. Find another way to discipline your dog, like squirting him with a water bottle or rewarding good behavior. Crate training a puppy is effective and safe: your puppy and your shoes will thank you.

Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems.

Puppy training classes are the most important investment you can make for your dog. From interacting with you, your family, and other dogs to behaving both inside and outside your home, a puppy training class can help you teach your dog what he needs to know in order to integrate successfully into your household.

What exactly can puppy training classes help you with? A lot of dog misbehavior comes from insecurity or ineffective training. If you take the time to do this when your pet is still a puppy, it can help head off a lot of potential problems. Other problems that can be addressed include:

* Separation anxiety
* Aggression
* Jumping on guests
* Excessive barking or whining
* Housetraining problems
* New situations (car rides, trips to the vet or groomer, meeting new people, etc.)

These are major areas that can affect your relationship with your pet and which may affect safety as well. It is best to get these behaviors under control before they impact your entire household. Puppies learn their social skills between birth and 14 weeks, so it is best to start classes when your puppy is about 12 weeks old.

How can you get the help you need? A variety of puppy training classes are available. You can try individual sessions with a trainer, group sessions, or an at-home approach. Let’s take a look at each type and if they are right for you and your puppy.

Private Puppy Training Classes

These classes are designed for people who either cannot come to group sessions because of scheduling issues or who want one-on-one training. An advantage of individual puppy training classes is that they can focus specifically on your puppy’s needs and you can schedule the classes to fit your life. It also helps because you can see if you are correctly implementing the techniques the trainer is showing you. A potential downside: private lessons don’t allow any socialization between your puppy and other dogs and people. Private puppy training classes are better suited for dogs who are easily distracted, aggressive, or hard to train.

Group Puppy Training Classes

These classes focus on communication so you can teach your dog acceptable behaviors and stop the undesirable one. It also encourages socialization between your puppy and others. Many classes let the dogs interact before the training session begins so they can get used to each other and not be as distracted later in the class. If your dog doesn’t have any specific issues and isn’t aggressive with other people or dogs, then group lessons are great.

At-Home Puppy Training Classes

At-home programs may be best for a number of reasons. You may have found a great puppy training school in Cincinnati, Ohio, but you live in Cleveland. You may not have the money to take expensive lessons. You may not have found a trainer whose methods you like. Whatever the reason, there are programs available that you can do in your home. These, of course, don’t allow for socialization or instructor feedback, but they do give you a comprehensive set of instructions that you can practice any time you want. You can also have your family members participate in the training. You can always take your dog into social settings – even for a walk around the block – to give him the opportunity to socialize.

At-home puppy training classes allow you to focus on your dog’s specific needs without expensive private lessons. Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems.

It is a great deal especially when compared to a typical private class that lasts for six to eight weeks can cost $250-$300 or more.

Whatever type of lessons you choose to try, make sure you agree with the methods and that none of the training is harsh or punitive. Puppy training classes are a great way to bond with your dog and create a foundation for good behavior.

Everyone wants a well-behaved happy dog, one that will heel when walking down the street, play gently with the children, or bark only when there is danger. This doesn’t happen naturally: dogs are animals and will behave as such unless you help teach them some basic puppy obedience.

What is puppy obedience training? Many people think that it involves teaching puppies to complete artificial tricks so they can perform on cue. While obedience training for your puppy does involve some tricks, the goal is to redirect natural puppy instincts and behavior into those which are appropriate for a domestic setting. It also establishes good communication between puppy and owner and establishes a foundation to settle any future behavior issues.

One of the most important purposes of puppy obedience training is socialization. For instance, many dogs love to jump up on people. This is not appropriate, especially with children, guests, or people who are frightened of dogs. You have to take this behavior and redirect it. Some people teach their dogs to jump on them on command. The theory is that this way, the dog won’t do it unless commanded to. If this works for you and your dog, you have successfully used puppy obedience training.

Another example is your puppy’s behavior with other dogs. You don’t want your pet to act aggressively towards every dog you come across on your walk. With puppy training, you can learn to redirect that behavior so your dog is appropriately protective of you and your family but not overly aggressive towards innocent dogs on your walking route or at the dog park.

Puppy Obedience and Dog Training Tips

Any age is appropriate for obedience training. It is great to start with your puppy so he doesn’t learn bad behaviors. It is also great to train older dogs. If you adopt or purchase a dog when it is older, you can train him to obey your rules and commands. It is also good to keep training your dog because even if he’s well-behaved as a puppy, if training isn’t kept up, he may revert back to bad habits. You can train your puppy at home, at an obedience training class or school, or with a private trainer. Whatever you choose, here are some things to keep in mind:

* Praise, praise, praise. The best way to teach your dog acceptable behavior is to praise him when he does something good and even when you redirect a bad behavior. For example, if your dog goes to sit by the door to signal he’s ready to go relieve himself, praise him with a simple, “Good dog.” If you catch him getting ready to go inside, take him outside. Once he goes outside, praise him. That way he learns that outside is the place to relieve himself.

* Don’t punish your dog unless you catch him in the act. Even then, keep in mind that yelling, hitting, or banishing your dog DOES NOT WORK. In fact, those are good ways of training your dog to be aggressive and disobedient. Instead, you can try squirting your dog with a water bottle, sternly saying “No,” or redirecting behavior.

* Be patient with your pet. He’ll get it, he just needs some time and some help from you.

* Identify the specific problem and get help. For instance, if your dog has a problem with chewing, figure out why. It could be just the natural puppy urge to chew. If so, provide great toys and treats. If it is due to separation anxiety, you can try crate training.

* Teach your puppy tricks like shake paw and roll over. These are fun and enjoyable for the dog and gives you a chance to praise him. They also gently remind the dog that you are the boss. There is no need for you to engage in alpha-dog behavior like wrestling and staring contests – these little tricks let your dog know you’re in charge.

The key is to be consistent and patient with your animal. Let your puppy know what you expect and make sure he follows your commands. Remember, a puppy is a pet, someone to keep you company. He also depends on you: make sure you make puppy obedience training enjoyable and effective for both of you.

Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems.