Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting times for any family. However, the novelty can quickly wear off if you find yourself with a dog that barks constantly, jumps on you and your guests, or damages your home and belongings. In this article, we will discuss why you should train your new puppy and the benefits for you and your dog. We will also provide some key commands and exercises to make the training experience more fun and effective.
Here are some reasons to start training your puppy today!
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In This Article
Teaches Your Puppy to Focus on You
Training your puppy to focus on you is the foundation of all other training because a dog that isn’t paying attention won’t respond to your commands. Practice training in those situations to ensure your dog stays focused even with distractions. When your puppy learns to tune in to you, you can be confident they will give you their full attention, no matter what is happening around them.
Watch Command Exercise
Have your dog sit beside you or in front. Show them a treat and bring it to your eye. Say “watch” and give them the treat. Practice this daily, and in a short time, you will only need to use the word or point to your eye. This command will keep their focus on you in any situation. Use it often when on a walk, before they eat, or any time you need their attention.
Key Commands: Watch, Sit
Key Exercises: Recall games
Keeps Your Puppy Safe
The most important command you can teach your dog is to come when called (also known as recall). Since many dogs have a natural instinct to chase animals or wander, they can get lost or run into a busy road. With solid recall training, you can trust that your dog will come back to you no matter what happens.
Distraction Recall Exercise
You will need another person to assist with this exercise. Have one person gently restrain your dog, and the other person will show the dog a treat. The person with a treat should act very excited while walking a short distance away, but do not ask them to come until your dog seems overly excited. When that happens tell them to come and run away with the treat so they chase you, once they catch up give them the treat. This exercise is effective because it taps into the dog’s prey drive and food drive.
Key commands: Come, Sit, Stay/Wait
Key exercises: Distraction Recall, Restrained Recall
Prevents Your Puppy From Annoying Other People
Let’s face it, we’ve all been around someone who has an annoying dog. Don’t let that person be you! Even dog lovers can be put off by jumping, excessive barking, or begging for food. Training your puppy to behave appropriately around others will help maintain good relationships with neighbors, friends, and strangers you might encounter.
Practice real-life scenarios so your puppy gets used to the situations. This will enforce good behavior so that when the UPS guy comes to your door while you are on a work call, your presentation won’t be interrupted by uncontrolled barking.
Doorbell/Knocking Exercise
Start with your dog on a leash, have someone ring the doorbell, and then immediately walk your dog to their bed and give a treat. Continue that until your dog starts to go to their bed on their own. Be consistent with the training. Before you know it, they will go to their bed automatically without the leash or treat.
Key commands: Off, Quiet, Go to Bed
Key exercises: Ringing the doorbell practice
Provides Mental Stimulation
Puppies need mental and physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. Learning new commands, solving simple puzzles, and practicing obedience exercises challenge your puppy’s brain, keeping them engaged and reducing boredom. A mentally stimulated puppy is less likely to develop destructive behaviors, like chewing or digging, which often stem from boredom. Regular training sessions also help tire your puppy out, leading to a more relaxed and content pet.
Not every command you teach your dog has to have a specific purpose. You can teach your dog to do something just because it’s adorable!
Circle Trick
Have your dog stand in front of you, and with a treat in hand, have them follow the treat in a circle motion back to the starting position. Say “Circle” while doing this motion. Over time, as they get the trick, all you will need to say is “Circle” with a finger circular motion.
Cute Tricks: Paw/High Five, Spin/Circle, Speak, Crawl
Key skills: Hide a treat in the room for your dog to find
Protects Your Home
Training your puppy helps protect your home by teaching them to avoid destructive habits. A well-trained dog is less likely to chew on furniture or shoes. For instance, training them to ring a bell when they need to go outside can prevent accidents like peeing or pooping indoors. Regular training helps your puppy understand what is off-limits and encourages them to play with their own toys instead. This not only keeps your belongings safe but also prevents potential accidents from chewing on harmful objects.
Key Commands: Leave it, drop it
Key Skills: Ring a bell near the door to go out
Making training a part of your dog’s routine reinforces good behaviors and teaches them to focus on you. Regular training sessions will build trust and make your puppy look to you for guidance. Using positive reinforcement with treats, praise, or play creates a connection between you and your dog, making your puppy more eager to please and follow your lead. Consistent reinforcement helps prevent bad habits from forming and ensures your puppy will grow into a happy, well-mannered adult dog.
Tools to Enhance Training
When you adopt a puppy, all the training tips and tricks available can be overwhelming. Using a program can help you be consistent with your training, which is exactly what a new puppy needs. We found the perfect program for your new dog or if you need a refresher for an older dog with Pupford.
Follow this link and sign up for a free 30-day training experience that will get your new companion started in the right direction. Along with their training courses, you will find 100% natural training treats, enrichment toys, and necessary hygiene items that you will need right away.
Here’s a dog pouch that has more than one function. The Scout & About Deluxe Training Pouch is versatile and offers a spacious interior for treats, a convenient poop bag dispenser, and a hidden squeaker to engage your dog. It’s the ideal accessory for any adventure with your pet, with multiple wearing options, reflective stripes for safety, and durable construction.
When training your dog, you should consider the amount of treats you give them. Overindulging in treats can lead to weight gain. To avoid this, you can try Pupford’s Freeze-Dried Chicken Treats. These treats are made with 100% natural chicken, are low in calories, and are the perfect size. These high-value treats will help them stay attentive during training without the extra weight gain.
Lambwolf has designed the Nomad X, a lightweight, portable, all-weather long leash option that is excellent for recall training. Unlike most long, heavy leashes, the Nomad X is thin and vinyl-coated, making it easy to roll into a ball that fits in the palm of your hand for easy travel. This is an excellent option to recall train from further distances, as the Nomad X comes in 12, 20, and 30-foot lengths.
Experience the ultimate in outdoor comfort with this versatile leash and collar set. Crafted from high-density, durable fabric with solid alloy attachments, it’s built for any outdoor adventure. Its user-friendly design features breathable, lightweight, comfortable materials and multiple usage options. It includes an adjustable length range, waist attachment, and anti-lost ID tag, ensuring you and your pet enjoy stylish and hassle-free outings.
Take your leash training to the next level with this sturdy dog harness designed to offer comfort and control. Made from high-density webbing, it is highly durable and features sturdy buckles, ensuring a secure and snug fit for your pet. The bright reflective strips on the harness provide added safety, ensuring your pet is visible in low-light conditions. Additionally, the anti-lost digital ID tag offers quick registration and easy retrieval in case your pet gets lost, giving you peace of mind.
A clicker can be a valuable training tool to mark desired behaviors and reinforce positive actions. Using dog clickers can be a helpful addition to your dog training routine while being lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. Try this clicker during training to see how your dog responds to this method.
