Training tips for your new dog

It’s smart to start training your dog as soon as you bring it home. But where do you begin? How do you train your puppy the right way? How do you train an adult dog?

There are many options available for training your pet. You can start training your dog or puppy right away by using these basic tips.

Top 10 Dog Training Tips

These are the top 10 tips from professional trainers for your dog.

Tip 1: Choose your dog’s name wisely

Finding the right name is part of the joy of adopting a puppy or dog. Did you know that certain names work better for training? A short name that ends with a strong consonant is better for training. Strong endings, such as the ones in “Jasper”, “Jack”, and “Ginger,” are great for puppy ears. It’s especially helpful when you emphasize the end.

Your pet may be an older dog. It’s possible to change it. A new name can be a great way to help your dog get out of an abusive situation. Dogs can be very adaptable. You can give your dog a new name by using it frequently. Soon enough, they will be able to recognize it.

No matter their name, make sure you associate it with positive experiences and fun times. Your pup should view their name the same way you think about fun things like walks and dinnertime.

Tip 2: Decide on House Rules

Decide what your furry friend can and cannot do before they arrive home. Is it allowed for them to sleep on the sofa or the bed? Is there any part of the house that is off-limits? Are they allowed to have their place at the dining room table? You can avoid confusion if you establish the rules early.

Tip 3: Create a private den

Dogs, like humans, need their own space. Give your dog a place to sleep, such as a crate, as soon as possible. You can give your dog a place to sleep for short periods in their den. It is a great tool for housetraining and for calming down. If your dog or puppy is calm and relaxed in their den, reward them.

Tip 4: Help Your Dog Relax

Warm-up your puppy’s room with a hot water bottle. Keep a ticking clock close to their bed. This mimics the heartbeat and heat of littermates and will calm your puppy as they adjust to their new surroundings.

This tip is especially important for dogs who have lived in noisy shelters, especially if they have had to go through a difficult time. It will benefit both you and your pet to do whatever you can to make them feel at home in their forever home.

Tip 5: Reward good behaviour

Positive reinforcement is a way to reward your dog or puppy for good behaviour. You can reward your dog’s good behaviour with toys, love, and lots of praise. Don’t forget to give them treats! When they succeed, let them know. Don’t reward poor behaviour. It will only confuse them.

Tip 6: Teach your pup to come when called

Come, Jasper! You are a good boy!

Your pet’s first command should be “Come!” Tell your pet to use their name and get down to their level. Get excited and give lots of positive reinforcement to your pup when they come using their name. If they are distracted by food or toys, you can try the “come” command again. You’ll see the benefits as your dog ages.

Tip 7: Train on “Dog Time”.

Dogs and puppies live in the present — they forget about what they did two minutes later. Use your preferred training method immediately if your dog is acting out. This will allow them to associate the behaviour with the corrective action. Repeating the same thing over and over will reinforce what they have learned.

Tip 8: Don’t jump right away

Adult dogs can learn bad habits from their pups, who love to jump up and greet people. If your dog or puppy jumps on someone, don’t correct them. Instead, turn your back, ignore the behaviour, and wait for them to settle down before you give positive reinforcement. Do not praise or pat your dog for jumping.

Tip 9: Don’t Bite or Nip

You don’t have to scold your pet. Instead, pretend that you are in pain whenever they bite or nip at you. A sharp, loud yell will work. Dogs are often so shocked that they immediately stop.

If verbal cues aren’t working, you can trade a chew toy or your pant leg for a hand or a piece of paper. If your puppy is interested in chewing on your shoes, this swap can work. They will prefer to chew on a bone or toy. If they continue biting, you can interrupt their behaviour by responding with a smile or ignoring them.

Tip 10: Finish your training sessions on a positive note

Your dog or puppy has done a lot to please you during training. You can leave them with lots of praise, treats, and five minutes of play. You can almost guarantee that they will be ready for work when you leave them with lots of praise and a treat.

Bonus tip: If your puppy is old enough to be spayed or neutered, consider it. If you decide to adopt a dog, the same applies. A spayed or neutered dog may be more docile, friendly, and open to training.