Dog experts have issued 10 essential tips to ensure that your pup will cut out the ‘unwanted behaviours’ from a young age.
The Dogs Trust has spoken of the importance in setting the ground rules from the day you introduce a puppy into the family.
Working hard on training is key to ensure that your pooch will behave later in life.
As part of this, the charity has listed a series of tips to make this easier for dog owners and their pets alike to get the taste of success.
Once owners have been able to nail the basics, the Dogs Trust suggest trying it outside when you’re both confident to do so.
The basics include sit, down, come and leave.
The Dogs Trust writes: “A marker is a clear signal that tells your dog they’ve got it right and can be really helpful when training a new behaviour, like saying “yes” or “good”
“So, before you start, find out exactly what a marker is and learn how to introduce it to your pooch."
They add: “Just as puppies don’t know what sit or leave means until you have taught them, they may also display other unwanted behaviours.
“This could be going to the toilet inside or pulling on the lead. You’ll want to prevent these before they become an issue.”
The 10 essential tips for training your puppy include:
- Try it without your puppy first, so you are clear and can avoid confusing them.
- Ensure the training is done in a calm space that is free of distractions.
- Make sure your pup has eaten and been to the toilet before you start.
- Only use positive reinforcement – reward with praise or a tasty treat and mix up what you use keep it interesting for your pooch.
- Show your pup what you want them to do, don’t physically force them to do it.
- Be calm and consistent.
- Keep training sessions short (five to 10 minutes at a time) – and focus on training one behaviour before ending the session with a fun game.
- Record your progress – you could film it and / or write it down.
- Be patient. If pup is struggling, stop and go back a step and progress more slowly next time.
- Have fun and enjoy yourself – if either of you aren’t, pick it up another day.
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