Few things in life are as exciting as becoming a pet parent. The arrival of a puppy in our lives is a unique, special, and unforgettable moment. The connection between the two of you is established with just one look or lick. And it lasts a lifetime.
But having a puppy also means new concerns and worries, especially for first-time pet parents. How do I train my dog? What should my role be? What if they don't obey me? What if...? The list of questions is endless. That's why today we're sharing 10 tips for successfully training your puppy.
1. Give them lots of love and arm yourself with patience. Your puppy wants to play and discover the world. They're like a child! So don't be a strict or demanding pet parent; manage your expectations. With patience and love, it's only a matter of time before everything works out!
2. Decide where they will sleep (in your bedroom, the living room, or the kitchen) and stick firmly to that decision. Some pet parents get their puppy used to sleeping with them and, after a few months, expect them to sleep somewhere else. The puppy interprets this as punishment. That's why this decision is so important: the place you choose for them will become “their place”.
3. Let them cry. At first, your puppy will cry when left alone. But that's completely normal. Of course, it will break your heart and you'll want to go comfort them (it happens to all of us), but you must hold back. Because if they realize that you come running when they cry... they won't learn to be alone.
4. Give them the recommended daily amount of puppy food (which varies according to their size and weight), always at the same times. Your puppy will try to eat more (they're very greedy when they're young), but part of their training is learning how to eat.
5. Teach them to relieve themselves outside the house. It's a matter of being patient. Dogs are creatures of habit, so you should take them out at least three or four times a day (always at the same times) so they can relieve themselves outside. This is how they will learn to hold it. You can also reward them when they do it correctly. That way, they'll understand that pooping or peeing outside... earns a reward! This is one of the most important aspects of training your puppy, so don't expect immediate results. Persevere.
6. Start socializing them as soon as their vaccinations are up to date, so your puppy becomes tolerant of other dogs and people.
7. Teach your puppy to go for walks. They won't like the leash, but you have to put it on them for safety. Preferably use a short one, because puppies don't like walking... they like running and doing their own thing! Get them used to leaving the house and coming back in after you, following a command (“let's go” and “come in”), and to walking beside or behind you (never in front, pulling. Otherwise, they'll think they're “the boss”).
8. Let them spend time at the park. To enjoy life, socialize, let off steam, get tired, have fun... Don't be afraid to let them be outdoors. Don't become paranoid. Your puppy is small, but strong.
9. Teach them to live harmoniously with others. You can achieve this by following a few simple rules. When they do something wrong (bark, bite, or break something), simply say “NO!” seriously and firmly. But be sure to scold them if you catch them in the act; otherwise, they won't understand why you're doing it. Don't hit them or make angry faces.
10. Invest in good supplies for your puppy. Your puppy is another member of the family. That's why they deserve the best. At ARISTOSHOP you'll find everything necessary to keep them happy and comfortable at home.
We hope these 10 tips for training your puppy will be helpful. You'll see how wonderful and rewarding it is to be a pet parent!