How to Train A Puppy
- Teaching your puppy with positive reinforcement and rewards is crucial for fostering good behaviour and a love for learning. It's important to be patient and consistent in training using repetition and rewards rather than punishment or anger as these can impede progress. The early stages of a puppy's life play a role in their development. It's recommended to start teaching skills as soon as they arrive home, typically around eight weeks old. Even if the breeder has already initiated training, continuing the process at home is key.
How to Toilet Train A Puppy
- Toilet training your puppy should begin early on. The optimal period for learning behaviours is between 8-17 weeks, but with patience you can teach them at any age.
- For toilet training, specifically focus on positive reinforcement techniques. Utilising fake grass dog toilet patches can help simulate outdoor areas and guide your puppy to the appropriate spot indoors or outdoors.
- Immediately praise them with treats from your DoGoodDoggy wristband when they use the designated spot, accompanied by encouraging words like 'yes’ or 'good job.'
- It's essential to reward them after they perform well; delayed rewards may lead to confusion about why they are being praised.
- Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and routines so minimising accidents during toilet training is crucial. If they happen to go in the spot, lingering odours could result in repeated accidents. If this occurs, make sure to clean and sanitise the area to get rid of any lingering urine odours.
- Keep an eye out for signals that indicate they need to relieve themselves, such as sniffing around or pacing. If you catch them in the act in the wrong spot, gently pick them up and relocate them to the designated potty area.
- In case they have an accident when you're not watching, be sure to clean and disinfect the area properly to avoid a repeat incident.
- Find more tips and tricks on our How to Train A Dog page.