EmBARKing on the journey of puppy training can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and mindset, you can set yourself and your furry friend up for success. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the training process with confidence:

1. Manage your environment: When bringing home a new puppy, a significant aspect of their training is managing the environment around us. This involves altering the environment to prevent them from engaging in undesirable actions/behaviors. To ensure the safety of your furry friend and set them up for success, it is essential to puppy-proof your home by installing baby gates and playpens and removing any items from the floor or out of reach that may be harmful or something you don't want your puppy to get their paws on.

2. Start early, be consistent, and get on a schedule: The earlier you start training your puppy, the better. Puppies have a remarkable ability to learn and absorb information during their early months. Early socialization is crucial for your puppy's development, and it involves positive exposure to new environments, people, sounds, and objects. Consistency and repetition are key to successful training, and establishing a routine and regular schedule can help with potty and crate training. By following a consistent schedule, your puppy will learn to anticipate when it is time to eat, play, and rest, making it easier to establish good habits.

3. Use positive reinforcement training techniques: The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has stated that reward-based training methods are more effective than aversive methods. Studies have shown that dogs trained with positive reinforcement methods exhibit higher levels of obedience. By using positive reinforcement, you can create a foundation of trust and respect between you and your furry friend. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection and avoid punishment or harsh corrections, as they can create fear or anxiety in your puppy.

4. Keep training sessions short and fun: Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief and engaging. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes of focused training at a time. Think about how you can add short training sessions into your daily routine and lifestyle. Adding in play sessions in between training is a great way to prevent burnout and frustration. Think about the task you are asking your puppy to do, are you paying them worth the value? It's crucial to use high-value treats when teaching our puppies new things in unfamiliar and distracting environments. Also, remember to give enthusiastic praise to keep your puppy motivated and excited about the training process. End each session on a positive note, even if progress is minimal.

5. Focus on cues that are conducive to your lifestyle: Each person has their own set of expectations for their life with their new furry friend, both in the present and as they age. If you're comfortable with your pup snuggling up with you on the couch or in your bed, that's perfectly fine! On the other hand, if that's not your cup of tea, that's okay too. Some common training goals include name recognition (teaching your pup to respond to their name), avoiding jumping (rewarding them for keeping all four paws on the ground), and recall (making coming to you a fun experience). These cues establish a foundation for good behavior and safety. Break down each cue into small steps, rewarding your puppy for their efforts and REPEAT! A big part of training is repetition and consistency!

6. Reinforce behaviors you like even if you didn’t ask for them: The more you reinforce behavior that you like, the more likely they are going to offer that behavior again. Sometimes our puppy offers up behaviors that are desirable and we didn’t ask for it, REWARD THEM! Placing treat stations in various locations throughout the house is an effective method to capture behaviors that we like.

7. Be patient and positive: Training takes time and patience. Avoid getting frustrated or losing your temper, as it can hinder progress and create a negative atmosphere. Stay calm, be patient, and maintain a positive attitude. Remember that each puppy learns at their own pace, and setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.

8. Involve the whole family: Consistency is essential in training, so involve all family members in the process. Teach them the same cues and reward systems, so everyone interacts with your puppy in a consistent manner. This will prevent confusion and help reinforce the training across different individuals.

Remember, puppy training is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. As your puppy grows and develops, continue to reinforce their training and introduce new skills and challenges. Stay committed, and soon you'll witness the transformation of your adorable puppy into a well-behaved and obedient adult dog.

Looking for help getting your puppy started on the right paw? Click here to check out our Puppy Playschool and group training classes!

Photos provided by GT Harper Photography