Last updated on February 7th, 2023
The chore of raising a puppy to “come” when called is challenging yet essential. Start early since a trained puppy will be safer! Additionally, most young puppies like to be close to their owners.
With just a pleasant “come” command and a knelt-down owner, your small dog could voluntarily approach. Similar to newborn pups, most will come and follow you as you leave.
More alluring incentives could be required, though by the time pups are 3 to 4 months old they start to become a bit more independent and curious.
Setting up a puppy for achievement and making sure that each training session is easy, enjoyable, and joyful are the two most crucial guidelines for teaching your dog to come to you.
1. Make a schedule and stick with it
A new puppy is the most thrilling thing ever! The cuddles and all that loveliness are unbeatable. Another advantage of pups is that they are essentially habit-free since they are too young to have developed many undesirable behaviors.
However, it also means that you are responsible for educating your tiny furry friend about what it means to be a member of your family. Looking for puppy training advice?
You can keep your puppy in the crate longer if he nods off while inside. However, if your puppy is awake, remove him from the crate within 15 minutes and allow him a chance to relieve himself.
If he doesn’t leave, you have to put him back in the box for yet another 15 minutes before trying again. Playtime resumes once he uses the restroom. Potty time is followed by fun and a crate break.
2. Train them not to bite everything and everyone
Puppies enjoy biting a lot when their teeny, tiny teeth develop. However, sometimes they are unaware of how painful their little bites may be. While they are still young, it is crucial to educate them not to nip you or other people.
Say “Ow!” in a loud, high-pitched voice like a puppy howl if your pet nips you too hard. This will alert them to their excessive biting and instruct them to ease off. When your dog or cat listens, reward them with food or say, “Good boy/girl.”
Ignoring them is a sensible approach as well. The soothing gesture of turning it around and putting your hands under your armpits is “a modest type of attention retreat.
3. Puppies need to learn how to be alone
The first time a puppy is left alone can be quite traumatic since dogs are by nature sociable beings. While discovering how to raise a puppy, having the dog become independent is a good objective to have in mind.
By confining your dog to a crate or exercise box while you are still at home, it is ideal to begin teaching them how to be independent. Make it a cheerful, comfortable space with food and toys to keep them amused and satisfied while you’re away.
Once your dog is inside, discreetly close the door and leave the space. Return in a few seconds with a tasty treat or kind words. Repeat the procedure and progressively extend your dog’s time away from you.
Reward the person if they keep their composure and remain silent. Make sure to avoid spoiling them excessively whenever you visit since doing so will just make them want you more often when you depart.
Within a couple of days, you and the puppy should be able to spend a decent amount of time apart without too much whimpering, allowing you to leave for work in peace.
4. Teach your dog not to chew around
Coming home to a torn-up pillow or your shoes being eaten to shreds is the worst feeling in the world. A teething puppy will often chew on everything and everything to soothe their aching gums, similar to when they nip.
This is the perfect moment to teach your dog what objects they may and cannot chew in order to promote “appropriate chewing.” A ball or a rubber KONG toy are good examples of toys that they may pick up to carry around in their mouths.
They won’t believe it’s appropriate to put them in their mouths if you give them an old shoe or sneaker to chew on. This action ought to discourage your dog’s undesirable chewing behaviors. If you see your dog chewing on something that isn’t allowed, send them to their chew toy.
Once your dog has finished chewing the proper item, stroke their head and give them praise. You can apply a bitter no-chew spray to attempt to deter them if they keep coming back to chew up the couch leg.
5. Lead training is extremely important
Every dog must be led when walking, whether for the dog’s safety or legal requirements, but many pups may tug, which will be challenging for you both.
Start in a confined space with the lead attached to his collar to let him become acclimated to it. However, let it go rather than hold it so the puppy may run around while pulling the leash.
Pick up the leash and offer your dog some goodies as you hold it after he is at ease with this. Drop the lead if your puppy tugs on it, then try once more in five to ten minutes.
After some repetition, he will eventually grow used to it, and then you may start teaching strolling on a slack lead. He may explore freely as you teach them not to pull thanks to this.
Try introducing him to other underfoot textures, including grass, gravel, wood chips, etc., after he is at ease walking on a loose lead. Your dog may go on to heel training now that he is accustomed to going on a flexible lead. Just 1-2 inches of lead slack should be used first; any more will enable your pooch to gain ground, which is what you want to avoid.
To avoid misunderstanding, keep the puppy on the exact same side at all times. Start off by saying “good” and “heel” to your dog whenever the leash is loosened and he isn’t tugging.
CONCLUSION
It’s a lot of fun and gratifying for you both to train a puppy. It’s going to be a wonderful event you will never forget as you allow yourself sufficient time and remain composed.