Puppy Training Techniques | Puppy Biting, Potty Training, Crate Training and More
All dog and puppy training techniques really have six basic steps . . . .
Are you seeking advice for potty training your puppy? Do you agonize over how to get your puppy to stop biting? Have you been struggling how to train your dog to stop barking? And what about dog begging behavior–have you begun noticing the tell-tale signs in your dog?
Have you ever wondered why someone else’s dog always sits and stays on order when your dog doesn’t? Do you watch other dogs–not yours unfortunately–heel perfectly while yours just wraps the leash around your legs? Have you ever shouted yourself horse and furious calling your dog in vain?
This may sound familiar. If so, you have my sympathies. However, all of these problems in dog behavior and obedience can be corrected if you are willing to invest a little time every day into basic dog training. While there are probably dog training courses offered by local businesses in your area, there is no reason why you can’t resolve most problems and start training a new puppy–or even an “old dog”–with regular training at home. Here is how you do it.
Six Basic Puppy Training Steps
Generally speaking, all new puppy training techniques and techniques for adult dogs come down to just 6 key steps.
And here they are, the six basic dog and puppy training steps that work like magic:
- Note the incorrect behavior.
- Show the dog the correct behavior.
- Reward the correct behavior.
- Repeat the desired behavior until it happens easily at least 90% of the time.
- Add a verbal cue as your dog does the behavior to associate the word with the right response.
- Use the verbal cue to elicit the behavior in your pet.
Although you can certainly teach an old dog new tricks, it is generally best to start training your canine the basics from an early age. The first few months of your dog’s life will be when you can potentially exert the greatest influence over him (or her), and this is where you have the opportunity to shape your pet into the sort of dog he’ll be as an adult. Keep in mind, as well, that dog obedience and behavior problems can be resolved as an adult, but it is potentially much easier to deal with these if you can get an early start. As an aside, we’ve had very good results with our Humane Society rescue dog, who was a terror when got him but is now an ideal, loyal pet.
Generally, you start new training around 6 to 8 weeks. Most basic puppy training techniques start with introducing your dog to its new home, potty training, crate training, and getting your dog to understand “come,” “sit,” and “stay.” Those commands are essential for your success with more complicated training. These particular commands are also important for other reasons. For example, if your dog is off leash, and you see it start to wander into the street, you want him to come immediately, not when he feels like it. There will be times when you let your dog off leash in public, and it is essential that you can trust your dog to sit and stay and go chasing after other dogs or running off to sniff or jump on other people. If you have already experienced the embarassment of one of these episodes, you know how frustrating it can feel.
The secret to teaching your dog to come is repetition. The simplest way to start is to have your dog on a five or 6 foot length of leash. You start out standing closer to the dog and telling him to come. You may hold out a small treat such as a piece of kibble. When the dog comes, give him the treat and lavish him with praise. Repeat this for about 10 to 15 minutes a day. You may need to start with 5 minute sessions repeated throughout the day. Always praise your dog when he comes but do not always give him a treat. You want your pet to respond to your approval and praise, not just to the expectation of a treat.
Getting him to sit could be a slight bit harder but again only requires basic dog training. When you have mastered the come command call him to you, place your hand on the end of his back and say “sit” while gently pushing down on his backside, when he sits his bottom down give him a treat and a lot of praise. If you want him to sit longer just delay giving him the treat and the praise, get him to sit but take your time bending down to him and feeding him his kibble.
Once you have got your dog responding to “sit,” start working on stay. Even if the dog obeys “stay” for just a few moments, start out by rewarding with a treat and of course lots and lots of praise. Work on this for 5 or 10 minutes and varioius times throughout the day. Be sure not to tire the the dog, go step by step, and expect to work on this for two to three weeks.
The 6 basic foundational steps discussed above should provide you with the nitty gritty, basic puppy training preparation you’ll need to successfully handle basic puppy training and most other puppy and dog training techniques. If you are a new dog owner, this advice will see you through your most immediate training needs, generally potty training your puppy, stopping biting and chewing, reducing and putting a stop to excessive dog barking, and begging. Just remember that all new puppy training–and all dog training–requires, patience, consistent and persistent application of the technique, and gentle, assertive firmness.
Basic dog training is simple and very effective. Please see our review of Sit, Stay, Fetch for information on a step-by-step course that will help resolve most dog training issues.
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