It can seem daunting to train a puppy. Puppies are full of energy, curious, and at times stubborn. Nevertheless, the correct methods may simplify and make the process of training enjoyable. With positive training, you and your puppy should learn how to be well-behaved, how to respond to commands, and how to create a good relationship. The consequence of small efforts can lead to significant outcomes with patience and consistency. These are some of the best training practices helpful to puppies that really work.
Positive Reinforcement
One of the best approaches towards puppy training involves positive reinforcement. Recognize the moment when your puppy does what it has been told to do and reward it with food, words, or a toy they love playing with. This will make them learn that good conduct rewards them. Stay away from punishment, which may lead to fear or confusion. It is important to be consistent and therefore need to reward the behaviour that you would like to occur more frequently.
Crate Training
The crate training makes your puppy feel safe and secure in it. The crate can become a warm, comfortable place for sleeping and relaxation. It is also advantageous when it comes to housebreaking because it trains your puppy to hold their bladder. Get the crate and introduce it slowly, arrange it with soft blankets and toys. Under no circumstances should it be a punishment. Gradually, your puppy will regard the crate as their security dwelling.
Socialization
The puppy must be socialized early enough to become a well-behaved puppy. Being positive, you should introduce your puppy to strangers, other animals, and other places. This minimizes fear and aggressiveness in later life. Puppy classes, going out in high-traffic areas, and playdates are great ideas.
Consistent Commands
Consistent commands will help your puppy understand what is expected. Choose an easy word to denote an action, such as sit, stay, or come. All the people at home are expected to speak in the same language and act in the same manner. Do not alter the commands frequently since it disorients the puppy. They learn much more easily with repetition and can follow instructions consistently through patience.
Short and Frequent Training Sessions
Puppies do not have a long attention span, and therefore, short training sessions should be taken. It is better to practice for five to ten minutes three or four times a day rather than have a long session. Bring your puppy to a positive conclusion at the end of each session to maintain motivation. The repetitive practice also reinforces the learning and commands, becoming second nature in their daily lives.
Redirecting Unwanted Behavior
Change poor behavior to a positive one instead of punishing the behavior. For example, if you find that your puppy chews on shoes, provide them with a chewing toy. This educates what is permitted and does not instill fear. The redirecting is particularly useful in the case of biting, jumping, or barking. The proper behavior should be rewarded and should be done on the spot as reinforcement of the lesson.
