FIRST THINGS TO TEACH YOUR PUPPY

 

FIRST THINGS TO TEACH YOUR PUPPY

Teaching your puppy essential skills and behaviors early on is crucial for a happy and well-behaved companion. Here's a list of the first things you should teach your puppy:

1. Name Recognition

Teach your puppy to respond to their name by associating it with positive experiences (e.g., treats or affection).

Call their name in a happy tone and reward them when they look at you.

2. Potty Training

Establish a routine for bathroom breaks, ideally after meals, play, and naps.

Use consistent commands like "go potty" and reward them when they go in the right spot.

3. Crate Training

Introduce the crate as a safe and positive space.

Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate to help with house training and separation anxiety.

4. Socialization

Expose your puppy to a variety of people, environments, sounds, and other animals.

Ensure interactions are positive to build confidence.

5. Bite Inhibition

Teach your puppy to control their biting and nipping.

If they bite too hard during play, let out a sharp "ouch" and stop the interaction to signal that biting is unacceptable.

6. Basic Commands

Start with simple commands:

Sit: Use a treat to guide them into a sitting position.

Stay: Teach them to hold a position with gradual increases in time and distance.

Come: Use this command to ensure they return to you, especially in emergencies.

Leave It: Prevent them from grabbing inappropriate or dangerous objects.

7. Leash Training

Introduce the leash early to make walks enjoyable.

Start indoors with short sessions and encourage them to walk beside you.

8. Handling and Grooming

Get your puppy used to being touched (paws, ears, mouth) for vet visits and grooming.

Brush their coat, trim nails, and clean ears regularly to make it routine.

9. Prevent Resource Guarding

Teach your puppy to feel safe when you approach their food, toys, or treats.

Practice trading items to build trust.

10. Playtime and Appropriate Toys

Provide safe toys for chewing and play to prevent destructive behavior.

Engage in interactive play to bond and burn off energy.

11. Alone Time

Teach your puppy to be comfortable being alone for short periods to avoid separation anxiety.

Gradually increase the time they spend alone.

12. Positive Reinforcement

Reward good behavior consistently with treats, praise, or play.

Avoid punishment; focus on redirecting and rewarding desirable behavior.

Patience,

 consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to shaping a well-behaved and happy puppy!