5 Tips For Starting Your Puppy On The Right Paw

Let’s start with the most important tip: positive reinforcement. So, what is positive reinforcement? When your puppy is exhibiting a behavior or action you’re looking for – immediately reward them. Rewards can be in the form of treats, toys, or affection. Treats are a great way to start as many puppies are food motivated and quickly learn that if they do a particular action or behavior, good things happen (like more treats are heading their way!). Eventually, the treats get fewer and fewer as your puppy masters the task. You can also redirect your dog from an unwanted behavior to a more positive one. For example, if your puppy is chewing on a table leg, give them a chew toy instead.

Patience is key to successfully teaching your puppy desired behaviors and cues.

When training your new furry friend, reward timing is imperative. After your puppy has completed the action you’re asking them to do, reward them within seconds. This makes it easier for them to understand the connection between the activity you’re asking them to do, and doing it.

When training your puppy, using consistent one-word commands in a calm voice can go a long way in teaching them exactly what you’re asking them to do. If there are multiple people in the household, be sure everyone is using the same cues when training so it doesn’t confuse your puppy. Start with the basics like sit, stay, down, and use positive reinforcement.

Try not to repeat the command when training your pet. By repeating the cue, you’re inadvertently teaching your puppy that they don’t need to do the action the first time. When your puppy has completed the action, reward them immediately. It’s all about timing, remember?