Pet training is important! You just brought home a new puppy. What an exciting time!
Guide to Mastering Basic Puppy Pet Training, There’s so much to teach your new best friend, and while puppy training might seem a little overwhelming at first (hello, potty training!), the good news is you have an eager student at the end of the leash.
Puppies are ready and willing to start learning good manners as soon as you bring them home, so the best time to start training puppy obedience is now.
It’s important to note that all of your interactions with your puppy are potential lessons; everything from the way you greet them (are you allowing them to jump up on your legs?) to how you walk them on leash (are you following while they drag you along?) will teach your puppy what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.
Ready to get started? Our guide will walk you through everything you need to know about basic puppy training.
Pups as young as 8 weeks old have the capacity to learn the basics, but remember: The younger the pup, the shorter the attention span.
Puppy training lessons should be short, fun and supplemented with many opportunities for play.
The best way to train a puppy is to conduct lessons when they are well-rested. Make sure they are ready to go but not too excited, as it might be tougher for them to focus.
Before you begin, take your pup outside for a potty trip, and make sure to take them out right after you finish as well.
You’ll need a pocket full of high-value puppy treats. Puppy training requires lots of rewards, so opt for something like Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, which are small but also tasty enough to keep your puppy engaged in the pet training game.
Basic pet training lessons should take place in a familiar, distraction-free environment.
You and your puppy will eventually transition to working outside and in new spaces, but the training initial stages should be happening in a low-key spot so that it’s easy for your pup to focus on you.
It’s also helpful to have a few puppy toys ready to go so you and your puppy can take play breaks.
A tug toy or ball for fetching are great options that allow your dog to burn through some puppy excitement before it’s time to focus again.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly bundle with both treats and toys, a Puppy Goody Box is a great way to get all the basics.
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