The environment in which they live, the interactions with other animals or people, or direct training, are all sources of learning for puppies.
It will create a solid foundation for them to grow into adulthood. The socialization of puppies and the basic training they receive will help them grow up to be confident adults.
This guide will help you train your dog step by step.
When can you start training your puppy?
The training of a new puppy begins as soon as it is brought home. This usually happens at around 8 weeks. They can be taught basic training commands such as stay, sit and come at this age.
How to train your puppy
Start your puppy’s training with these basic tips.
Use Positive Reinforcement
You may have seen or heard of many methods for training your dog. There is, however, only one method that has been scientifically proven to be effective, which is positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding a desired behavior. The use of punishment–including harsh corrections; correcting devices such as shock, choke, and prong collars; and dominance-based handling techniques–should be avoided, because these can produce long-term consequences that result in various forms of fear and anxiety for your dog as an adult dog.
Find out what rewards your dog enjoys. You can train your puppy with a simple piece of kibble, but some puppies will find it more exciting to use a training treat.
There are also pups that do not respond to food in any way. Find a fun toy that you can reward them with when they perform well. Positive reinforcement can also be achieved by praising a pup. You may only need to pet your puppy or show excitement, and say “good work!” for the basic training of a pup.
Train Shortly
Keep the training sessions brief, around 5 minutes, with a maximum of 15 minutes per session. End your training session with a good note to keep them excited about the next one!
Train your puppy consistently
Consistency is key when it comes to training and cues. When teaching your puppy the basic commands such as stay, sit, and come, use the same hand signals or words.
Even when the behavior is not desirable, it’s important to reward desired behaviors. If your dog is outside the door and needs to use the toilet, you should stop whatever you’re doing, let him out, then reward him for using the restroom outside.
Practice Different Environments
It is very different to train your puppy in a home environment than taking it out into a new place like a beach or park. The variety of sights and scents that they encounter will make this a very different experience.
Try to train your dog in different environments to make him confident, no matter the situation. Keep in mind that dogs should only go into areas with a large number of other dogs after they’ve completed their series of puppy vaccines.
Be Patient
Just like children, puppies are learning and growing. It is possible that they will not understand your questions and make mistakes.
Stick with the routine and do not get frustrated. A consistent schedule of feedings, potty stops, playtime, naps, and sleep will help your puppy to feel more secure. And a confident puppy is better able and willing to learn.
Basic Puppy Training Timeline
When do you start teaching your dog different signals? When should housetraining begin? You can follow this puppy training schedule.
7-8 Weeks Old
Basic cues (Sit down, stay, and come)
As early as seven weeks, you can begin basic cues:
- Once, say a command such as “sit”.
- Treats can be used to get your dog in a sitting posture.
- When your dog is sitting down, reward him with a treat and praise.
Leash Training
At this age, you can begin leash training inside. It is not safe for puppies to walk around other dogs at this age, as they haven’t had their vaccinations.
Begin by having them wear their collar/harness only for short periods of time, while you provide treats. Slowly increase the duration. You can start walking around the house on a leash without distractions once your dog has learned to come back to you. Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, you can start training them outside.
General Handling
Your puppy should be used to touching. Rub their paws and ears gently while you reward them. It will help them get used to being touched in those places, making veterinary appointments and nail trimmings easier when older.
8-10 Weeks Old
Crate Training
You want your puppy to see his crate in a positive light. Bring them into their crate at 10-minute intervals when they’re calm. Reward your dog for staying in the crate. To create an environment that is positive, you can feed the dog in his crate.
10-12 Weeks Old
Learn Not to Bites
At this age, puppies become more mouthy. should teach your puppy not to bite you on the ankles or hands. If they begin to bite at you, direct them towards a better object, like a toy.
12-16 Weeks Old
Toilet Training
It is essential to maintain a routine for toilet training. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, right after you eat, as well as after naps and playtime. By this time, they should have enough bladder control that will allow them to be able to hold the urine. Treat your dog every time he goes to the toilet outside.
Six Months old
By this time, puppies are in the stage of adolescence. This is when it’s the hardest to begin training. It is therefore important to begin training your puppy as soon as you can! You will now continue to train them in distracting and more public settings, such as dog parks.