HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PUPPY PROPERLY

Training a puppy is a rewarding adventure that requires patience, consistency and a lot of love. Here are some key tips to help you get this experience off to a good start:

START EARLY

Training begins from the first day your puppy arrives at your home. Even at a young age, puppies are capable of learning simple commands and good manners.

SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is crucial between the ages of 3 and 16 weeks. Expose your puppy to different environments, sounds, people, children and other animals in a controlled and positive way. This helps prevent the development of fears and aggression.

ESTABLISH CLEAR RULES 

Set ground rules and be consistent in applying them. If something is forbidden, it should always be prohibited, regardless of context or situation.

USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or games. Positive reinforcement makes learning more enjoyable and effective, and strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.

POTTY TRAINING 

Be patient and consistent. Take your puppy out frequently, especially after meals and after he wakes up. Praise him every time he goes potty outside. If there is an accident inside, do not punish him after the fact, because he will not understand the reason for the punishment.

CHEWING AND CHEWING 

Provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys. If your puppy nips you, firmly say “no” or “ouch” and turn your attention away from him for a few moments.

This will teach him that nipping ends play and attention.

TEACH HIM TO BE ALONE

Gradually get your puppy used to being alone to avoid separation anxiety. Start with short periods and increase them gradually.

LEASH TRAINING

Get your puppy used to the leash and collar/harness from the start. Start with short walks in a quiet environment to familiarize him with the experience.

BASIC COMMANDS

Teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” These commands not only reinforce your role as a leader, but also help keep your puppy safe in different situations.

PATIENCE AND CONSISTENCY 

Training a puppy requires a lot of patience and consistency. Don't be discouraged by mistakes or accidents; each puppy learns at its own pace.

CONSULT PROFESSIONALS 

If you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer. They can offer personalized advice and effective education strategies.

SHORT AND FUN WORKOUT SESSIONS 

Keep training sessions short, especially for young puppies, as they have short attention spans.

Sessions of 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day, are most effective and keep learning fun and engaging for your puppy.

IGNORE UNWANTED BEHAVIOR 

Sometimes ignoring unwanted behavior is more effective than punishing your puppy. For example, if your puppy jumps for attention, simply turn your back on him until he calms down.

Once calmed down, give him the attention he wants. This teaches him that calm, not jumping, is the way to get what he wants.

DAILY ROUTINE

Puppies thrive on a routine. Try to feed, go outside, and play with your puppy at around the same times each day. This helps secure your puppy and makes it easier to potty train and other desirable behaviors.

TARGETED SOCIALIZATION 

Beyond just exposure to new people and situations, work on targeted socialization.

This means exposing your puppy to specific situations he is likely to encounter throughout his life, such as visiting the vet, being brushed, or hearing loud noises like vacuum cleaners or fireworks, in a positive way and controlled.

LEARNING TO “LEAVE” AND “GIVE”

Teaching your puppy to “leave” or “give” objects is crucial to his safety. This can prevent him from swallowing dangerous objects and reinforces your control as the owner.

ENVIRONNMENT MANAGEMENT 

Sometimes the best way to prevent unwanted behavior is to manage your puppy's environment. This might mean removing objects he shouldn't chew, using baby gates to limit his access to certain parts of the house, or providing a comfortable “safe zone” where he can relax.

REINFORCEMENT OF THE REMINDER

Good recall (coming when called) is potentially a life-saving skill for your dog. Practice it often, in different environments, and always with great rewards.

Start in low-distraction environments and gradually increase the level of distraction.

BE A CALM AND ASSERTIVE LEADER

Puppies and dogs feel secure with a calm, assertive leader. Show this energy in your training and daily interactions. This helps strengthen your bond and makes learning easier.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF TOO 

Raising a puppy can be stressful. Make sure you take care of yourself too, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

A happy, balanced owner is the best thing for a happy, well-behaved puppy.

Training a puppy is a long-term commitment that brings great rewards. By investing time and effort into training your puppy from the beginning, you will lay the foundation for a healthy and happy relationship for years to come.

Remember that each puppy is unique and can learn at different rates. Celebrate small victories and stay positive, even when things don't go as planned.

With time, patience and lots of love, your puppy will grow up to be a loyal, well-behaved companion.

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