| Puppy training is very important, regardless if it is | | | | want a puppy or dog that is obedient and |
| your first puppy or your 10th puppy. Training a | | | | responsive to your commands. |
| puppy may also be easier than training an adult | | | | You may begin socializing your puppy by taking a |
| dog because a puppy doesn't have any | | | | trip to the local pet store. Check to make sure if |
| knowledge on previous training techniques or | | | | the pet store allows you to bring your puppy to |
| other issues. On the other hand, sometimes a | | | | get used to new sights, sounds and smells. |
| puppy can also be more difficult to train simply | | | | Positive reinforcements Puppies should be |
| because it may not comprehend what you are | | | | rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded |
| trying to teach or be too young to absorb the | | | | for being a delinquent. Do not reward a puppy |
| lessons. | | | | just because it has a cute behavior. For example, |
| Puppies are also easily distracted because | | | | it may be cute when a puppy jumps on people, |
| everything is new to it. The environment, the | | | | but this cuteness will wear off immediately if your |
| people, the things around, the other pets - these | | | | puppy grows into a 100 pound dog! So it will be |
| are all distractions to a puppy simply because it is | | | | wiser to reward your puppy for sitting instead of |
| very curious about everything! With this in mind, it | | | | jumping on people. |
| will be best to keep training sessions quick and | | | | These positive reinforcements can also be used in |
| short. Each training session should also ideally end | | | | potty training for a new puppy. For example, |
| on a positive note. | | | | teaching a puppy to do its "business" on certain |
| Socialization is important! As a puppy, socialization | | | | surface is a good technique. If your puppy gets |
| is also important. Be sure to expose your puppy | | | | used to pooping on gravel or asphalt surfaces, it |
| to other puppies, dogs and even pets. This will | | | | will be reluctant to use other surfaces such as |
| reduce any likelihood dog aggression as your | | | | your home carpet as potty. |
| puppy will know how to deal with its surroundings. | | | | A calm environment If you are bringing home a |
| Socialization training will help in educating your | | | | new puppy for the first time, it would be great if |
| puppy on how to play with other dogs properly | | | | everyone in the family is present. It would also be |
| and how aggressive play with other dogs in the | | | | best to make sure that the house environment is |
| play group is not acceptable and will lead to | | | | calm, unlike during festive or holiday seasons. |
| punishment. | | | | Otherwise, there will be too many distractions and |
| As the puppies play with each other, they learn | | | | the puppy will not get the attention it needs. |
| what is appropriate (and what is not). All | | | | Once a puppy becomes part of the family, it will |
| undesirable and inappropriate puppy behavior (hard | | | | need to learn more about the home environment. |
| biting or scratching) is punished by its siblings, by | | | | For example, if there are stairs, your puppy may |
| the puppy's mother or both. However, in this day | | | | not know how to climb properly. So as an owner, |
| and age, many puppies are separated from their | | | | you will have to slowly build your puppy's |
| mothers (to be sold or adopted) before this | | | | confidence. Start at the bottom of the stairs and |
| natural socialization can take place. | | | | slowly work up the steps day by day. Do not |
| Hence, this is why socialization and puppy training | | | | expect it to climb all the way to the top on its |
| sessions are important. It may make a huge | | | | first day! In general, a wide stairway may be less |
| difference to your household and your relationship | | | | intimidating for the puppy. |
| with your puppy and dog. After all, you would | | | | |