You decided this is the year for your Christmas puppy! To get started on the right paw, your new companion needs to understand what you want and expect. Furthermore, it helps if you know what you want in advance from Fido. Indeed, a plan, will establish a great start to life together.
As a small note, Christmas is a challenging time for a new puppy, especially if you have small children. The excitement of presents, guests, and low hanging decorations are distracting. It is potentially dangerous for puppies in a chewing stage.
Puppies, like children, get excited and into things. Clearly, you don’t want your relationship to start with shouting at Fido. He will learn with time. In addition, loving learning, rather than fear, is more relaxing for all parties.
Training Approach
Positive reinforcement is the best foundation for training. This involves a reward system to encourage the behavior you want. This works well for dogs and little persons. It is a reward, not a bribe, to train the puppy using something it values as a treat. You might find pets and toys work well.
Avoid the common pitfalls of yelling or leash correction, as that is considered a punishment. If you punish your dog for everything, the result is confusion, loss of confidence, and potentially fear. You cannot expect Fido to know something they have not learned. Think of it as a 2-year-old child learning to eat with a spoon or dress themselves. It takes time and patience for lessons to be habits. The reward for your patience is fantastic puppy behavior.
Reinforcement can be anything your dog likes. For a new pup, make it something small and unique, only giving when training. Many folks use small pieces of a “high value” training treat. The point is to lavish praise for correct behavior in your tone of voice and treat. You are teaching Fido to enjoy your recognition. Saying Good Dog in a cheerful voice, along with a tasty morsel, helps reinforce the action they learned. Petting might also help with the treats or time with a particular toy.
When To Start?
Most puppies are adopted around 8-weeks old. Therefore, training sessions for young canines are best at 10 minutes or less. New pooches are easily bored, if training is too long. Without a doubt, this will delay your success.
Obviously, training sessions must end on a positive note. If Fido is challenged with new behavior and fails, complete the training session with something he knows. That way, the ending praise, and rewards are more meaningful. If you get frustrated, take a breath!