Training a new puppy to behave suitably for a family environment can seem more of a challenge than it has to be. If you know how to properly communicate with your animal, then you will find much more progress being made as opposed to a broken line of communication. Take time to know your dog. If you really plan on making him/her a part of your family for many many years, then you should be willing to put in the time and effort to properly train them. If your intentions are good, and you just don’t know where to start… here are a few tips to get you and your dog started on the road to obedience.
List what behaviors you wish to alter
You should lock this concept in your mind. When you train your animal, it shouldn’t be about what you want them to stop doing. It should be more of a reward program for the behaviors that you want more of. If your dog has a bad habit of barking when company arrives, reward him/her when they are quiet during this event. The same would apply if you were teaching your puppy to stop chewing things. Reward him/her when they chew the proper toys. This will reinforce the proper behavior without turning you into a scary authority figure to the dog.
Potty training the pooch
Potty training is a necessary evil for every indoor pet and their owner. It’s not really that huge of an undertaking, though. Potty training is a chance to build a stronger bond with your puppy. Make sure you keep consistency when rewarding the proper behavior, and communicating to the dog in a positive manner when they exhibit the improper behaviors. Don’t get mean with the dog, or you will breed a spirit of fear in him/her. That could lead to aggression, which is not what we are aiming to achieve.
Communication tips
Since animals don’t speak English, they rely heavily on our body language to decipher positive and negative reactions. Be conscientious of your body language, and remember the animal is much smaller than you are. The objective is not intimidation, it’s really about becoming the leader of your dog’s pack. Showing him/her that you are confident in your actions, and gentle in your interactions.
Energy expenditure is important
Dogs weren’t originally intended to live in a small, confined space for the majority of their existence. They’re domesticated, but still wild animals. They need to run and play. They need to jump, and be free sometimes. If you wear your pooch out, you will have no problem implementing a lay down command.