Training Your Puppy: Four Mistakes To Avoid

Health & Medical Blog

Puppies can be a lot of work, and that includes training your puppy to listen to commands and respect the rules of the house. While you may already have an idea of how to get your puppy housebroken and how to teach it a few tricks, there are a few mistakes pet owners can make that will disrupt the training process. Here are some things to avoid while teaching your new canine companion.

Relying On Treats

Treats can be a great way to reinforce good behavior during training sessions, but giving them too freely or giving them for the wrong reasons can send confusing signals to your dog. If your puppy is not listening to a command and then decides to obey, it should not get a treat. The treats should be given when your pup behaves appropriately after being commanded. You should also ensure that the treats you give during training aren't given out at any other point during the day, as your puppy may not see them as a reward for good behavior but more as a snack.

Doing Too Much Too Fast

You may be tempted to work on several different types of training at the same time to get your puppy trained more quickly. This can prove to be frustrating for you and the dog. Instead, work your way up to more complex training concepts. Teach simple commands, like "no" and "sit" first. Once your puppy has mastered the basic commands, you can use them for more complex training concepts, such as crate training or potty training.

Training For Too Long

Puppies can have a short attention span, particularly if they just want to play with their owners. Training your dog for hours on end can be exhausting, and your dog may lose interest quickly. Instead, carve out short blocks of time throughout your day you can use to train and reinforce good behavior. Be sure to allow for playtime too, so your puppy can enjoy spending time with you.

Not Seeking Help

Some puppies may be more difficult to train than others, and you may get frustrated if things are not progressing the way you would like. You can partner with your veterinarian for advice on training your specific breed of dog, or you can enroll your puppy in a doggy obedience school. Obedience classes should be attended by both you and your puppy so it understands who to obey as well as the commands that are being taught.

With the right training, your puppy can grow to be a sweet, well-behaved dog. Be sure to avoid these mistakes, and seek help to get your puppy in peak condition. For additional advice, contact a location that offers puppy training classes, such as Munster Animal Hospital.

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1 September 2016

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