Puppy Training: Ideas for Quick Success

A new puppy has just become part of your family, and it's an exciting time for everyone. With all the fun comes responsibility, however, because your puppy depends on you for everything. The first few months will shape your puppy's behavior for the rest of their life. Your part will be to take the lead role in developing good habits and good temperament.

Sit
Teaching your puppy to sit is a great place to start. To begin, hold a small treat at nose level. Give him a chance to smell it for a moment, and then move it up and over his head. As you puppy stretches to reach the treat, he will drop to a sit position naturally. As this happens, speak the command, "Sit", then praise him with a happy and animated voice.

House Training
House training your puppy should begin as soon as they arrive in your home. The goal is to establish good habits and discourage bad habits. In the beginning you should keep you puppy close at all times. Never give them a chance to be out of your sight. When they make a mistake, you will be able to catch them in the act. Tell them "No" with a commanding voice, and take them outside. When you are not able to watch them constantly, your puppy should remain in his crate. When you take him outside, give him a command like "Go Quick" or Hurry Up". When he responds correctly, praise and reward him quickly. Your puppy wants to please you. You just have to provide opportunities for him to do just that.

Biting
Puppy nipping begins as a cute thing, though may become a problem when your puppy becomes larger and stronger. It is best to quickly discourage the behavior before it becomes a difficult habit to break. Teething is a natural part of growing up. So a first step it to give him something to teeth on. When you are playing with him and he begins to bite you, give him a firm "No", and replace your fingers with a teething toy. This may be all you need to do. If more training is needed, consider ending tug-of-war games until the behavior subsides.