Bark Talk

Set Your Puppy (and Yourself!) Up for Successful Training

A new puppy is an exciting time: puppies are cute, snuggly, and full of energy. The puppy stage marks the beginning of a life-long friendship. What’s not to love?

However, the puppy stage can also present many trials as you train your puppy. Puppies are notorious for naughty behavior--chewing, rummaging, and generally getting into things they aren’t supposed to.

Unfortunately, this puppy behavior causes stress in the households of puppies and can lead to resentment. Therefore, in order to foster a loving, healthy relationship between you, your puppy, your family, and your home, it’s important to establish a few key things to set your puppy up for successful training.

1. Your Puppy is a Puppy
Your puppy is in a stage where they are learning everything--your boundaries, how she is supposed to behave, and what is appropriate and what’s not. But, nevertheless, remember she is just a puppy. Just as a young child has to learn how you expect him to act so does your puppy. So, first and foremost, remember that puppy behavior can be managed with proper training, but your puppy is learning and looks to you to know how to behave.

2. Set Boundaries
Just like children puppies are naturally curious, and sometimes this curiosity can lead to trouble. Therefore, you set your puppy up to thrive when you teach him boundaries. As a young puppy, block off spaces in your home that your dog is free to explore. In those spaces, provide appropriate toys to engage your puppy. And, teach him that those are his toys by using them to play with him using those toys. This will hopefully help you avoid your favorite pillows or shoes being chewed.

3. Give Your Puppy a Designated Space
Additionally, create a space designated for your dog such as a dog bed in the corner of the room or a crate. Dogs need a space that they know is theirs--a place where they can rest and a place where they can dominate that space. Plus, giving your pup this space can help you combat the battle of your dog sleeping on spaces you don’t want him to, like your couch, your favorite chair, or your bed!

4. Keep It Positive
Remember that puppies are learning. They are not trying to upset you by their naughty behavior; they simply just don’t know better. Reinforce positive behavior. When you see your puppy do something good, let him know you’re happy with him with a reward.

5. Food is the Way to Your Puppy’s...Good Behavior
And, their heart, of course. But, puppies will do anything for even the smallest treat. Therefore, as you train your puppy, be prepared to reward your puppy’s positive behavior with treats. This tactic can help you combat some of the common puppy problems. From getting your puppy to sit to teaching him to stop pulling when walking on a leash, treats can be the answer to break some puppy habits that you find unacceptable.

At Bark Central, we are committed to supporting your relationship with your dog! Contact us today for information about our services!