You can start training your puppy as early as 8 weeks of age. The earlier you start, the more quickly your puppy will adapt to the approach and soon will begin to respond to your command. When you take on the task of puppy training, keep in mind that puppies are full of energy and they are just learning how to act. This means that training may take some time and a little extra patience on your part, but your puppy will thank you for it.
When they are little, pups love to chew on anything and this includes your shoe or pants leg. If you want to deter this action, gently push down on your puppy's backside and say "no". Your puppy will soon learn that this is not acceptable and will mature into a dog that knows not to roughhouse with you.
All puppies love to play and it's important that you spend time with them and enjoy their cute little habits and hilarious actions. While playing, it's important to realize that the way you interact with your puppy now will have an impact on how he/she behaves with you in later years. Never play in a way that would make your puppy want to compete with humans for an object, such as tugging on a rope, which teaches your puppy aggression. Instead, playing fetch or letting your puppy chase you will be a fun way of puppy training that will show your pet how to play with people and not against them.
Some forms of puppy training can be a lot of fun, such as teaching your pet to ride in a car. If you are like some people, leaving your pet at home is just not an option. When your puppy reaches maturity, it may be a struggle to get him/her into the vehicle unless they are already familiar with the process. Most dogs behave well when riding in an automobile, but it may be a good idea to place them in a special seatbelt designed for pets just incase they become overly curious. If you practice this type of puppy training when your four-legged friend is young, he/she will be eager to jump in the car and go for a ride at anytime. This will be especially helpful during visits to the veterinarian. Otherwise, you may end up having to hoist a very large dog up into your vehicle simply because he/she is afraid and unfamiliar with the joy of a car trip.
When puppy training your furry little friend, it's important to maintain patience and never yell at your pup. He/she very much wants to make you happy and, in order to accomplish this, they must be taught how to understand and respond to your instruction. It is also important that your puppy not be subjected to physical discipline, which may result in harm or fear. Puppy training will take both time and patience, but the end result will be a well-behaved dog that anyone will be glad to be near.
Additional information on puppy training can be found in published books, programs and videos. The best way to decide which one is right for you and you puppy is to read product reviews and compare prices to find the perfect puppy training guide.
Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for
TopConsumerReviews.com, a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how
top dog training programs compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.
