5 Easy Steps to a Well Behaved Puppy

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<img src="taserpuppy.jpg" alt="5 Easy Steps to Training Your Puppy">
Taser, my Czech import, at 4 months

I’ve been training dogs for years and understand the importance of a well-trained puppy. It means fewer accidents to clean up, a safer environment, and greater peace of mind for you.  Also, a well-trained puppy means a well-trained grown-up dog if you are regular and consistent with your training.

One of the most important things to remember is NEVER hit your dog.  There is no reason for it when a well placed command will do.  Striking your dog will cause him/her to mistrust you and could even turn it into a fear biter.

Being that you decided to actually read this article, you must be motivated. Here are five important tips to make your puppy’s training easier for you and hopefully more successful.

1. Be Patient

If you’re calm, your puppy will be less excitable and please, no yelling — your puppy is just a baby and yelling is frightening not constructive.  Remember, you are teaching your pup how to do things correctly because it does not know any better.  One of the most frustrating things is to call your dog only to find he doesn’t return to you.  Even the best trained dogs sometimes find a better offer, such as a squirrel, rabbit, or wayward cat and they will risk your wrath to enjoin the chase.  Instead of screaming at your dog and beating him when he returns to you, just go to him after calling no more than twice and put the leash on him.  If you engage in the former behavior your dog will have no reason to come to you, and will actually be afraid to do so.  Keep in mind that when your dog does return on command reward him with pats and a treat if handy.  In this manner he will know that you are his best choice, and the squirrels can wait for another day.

2. Treat Theory

We’re talking bribery here, plain and simple. When your puppy does something good, reward the behavior immediately with lots of praise and a delicious, healthy treat. If it makes you feel better, you can call the bribery “positive reinforcement.” The point is, your puppy will remember what happens when it does something good, and will continue doing it.  Some of the best treats are dried chicken pieces.  Simply cook the chicken, cut up the meat into small cubes, and put it into the refrigerator.  Cooked chicken will last a long time without going bad.

3. Secret Ignoring Business

Puppies believe the entire universe revolves around them, and one of the best things in life is all the attention they get (and treats, of course). If your puppy jumps on you, do not yell or reprimand; good or bad, it is still attention. Simply move away and ignore it. This method is very effective and is used to show the pup what you consider to be unacceptable behavior.  NEVER step on your pup’s back feet, as some so called “trainers” will tell you.  That is cruel and unacceptable, not to mention unnecessary.

4. Replacement Therapy

A puppy does not know what it can and cannot do until it is told. Instead of punishing your pup when it chews on a shoe, say “no” in a firm voice, and then take the item away, replacing it with one of the puppy’s allowable chew toys. Immediately praise it for chewing on the “good” toy. Soon, your puppy will be conditioned to the rules of the house.

5. Be Consistent

This says it all. Make sure you are consistent with everything you do so your puppy does not get confused. Keep in mind also, that your puppy is not human, and doesn’t think like one.  Dogs cannot reasons like we do, and are motivated by affection, well placed and gentle discipline, and consistency.  If your dog is used to going out at 8AM any change in that schedule will confuse him so try to keep on a reliable schedule so your puppy feels comfortable with his world.

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About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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