Owning a new puppy is an exciting experience. However, the joy may quickly turn to dismay when your carpet starts being soiled or shoes nibbled on. There are a few things you should keep in mind when training puppies. This article will give you a few tips.
One of the first things you'll need to do is potty-train your puppy. Most dogs don't get this correct until they're about six months old. First, you need to set a regular feeding schedule. You should also be prepared to take him outside every hour or so to use the bathroom. When the puppy is in the house, keep him in a confined area with paper all over the floor.
Dog crates are invaluable when training puppies. They aid you in potty training your dog. After he has learned it properly, your dog can then use the crate as a den. You should look for a crate that's made from plastic or meshed wire. If you travel regularly, you may want a light design too.
You should be aware that puppies respond much better when you praise them for good behavior. This works much better than negative reinforcement. When he does something right, you should pat him on the head and give him a treat.
Consistency is also important when training puppies. The way you train him now will determine how he acts in the future. Having your small puppy sleep with you on the bed at night may seem like a good idea. However, you may not like him on the bed whenever he gets older. By this time, he'll be set in his ways and you'll find it harder to break the habit.
Puppies bite a lot whenever they're playing. You should keep this in mind if he bites you. You shouldn't scold him for this behavior. However, it's best that you to break that habit though. This is especially important if you have small children in the house.
It's also common for puppies to dislike isolation. This can lead to separation anxiety. It's best that you allow your dog to get used to being alone so this doesn't become a problem.
These are a few tips on training puppies. Remember to be patient since it can take six months for a dog to be house-broken. Also, you should buy a crate which will be useful for potty-training as well as serving as a den in the future.
Author Resource:
Edison Chase lives in Boston MA and writes about how to build storage sheds and pet supplies in Boston .