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Puppy training

Training a puppy is an important part of responsible pet ownership, as it not only helps ensure a well-behaved companion, but also helps to form a strong bond between you and your puppy. Here are some general tips for training a puppy:

  1. Start with basic commands: The most basic commands to teach a puppy are “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” These commands will help you establish yourself as the leader of the pack, and will make training more advanced commands easier.
  2. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training is one of the most effective ways to train a puppy. Reward your puppy with treats, praise, or playtime every time they do something correctly. This will encourage them to repeat the behavior in the future.
  3. Be consistent: Consistency is key when training a puppy. Use the same command words, body language, and rewards every time you want your puppy to do something. This will help your puppy understand what is expected of them.
  4. Keep training sessions short: Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s best to keep training sessions short and sweet. A few short training sessions throughout the day will be more effective than one long session.
  5. Start training early: Puppies start learning from the moment they’re born, so it’s important to start training early. The earlier you start training, the more quickly your puppy will learn.
  6. Socialize your puppy: Socialization is an important part of puppy training. Expose your puppy to different people, animals, environments, and experiences so that they can become a well-adjusted and confident adult dog.
  7. Address bad behavior: It’s important to address bad behavior as soon as you see it. If you ignore bad behavior, your puppy may think it’s acceptable. Instead, redirect your puppy’s behavior to something more appropriate and reward them for it.
  8. Stay patient: Puppies are like children and they have a lot to learn and will make mistakes, so stay patient and don’t get frustrated with your puppy if they don’t seem to be making progress.

Remember that training is a continuous process, it’s not something you finish it and move on, but it’s a way of living with your dog and a means to establish a strong and healthy relationship with them. Keep up with the training and as your puppy grows, new challenges and training goals will arise but with patience and consistency, you will be able to tackle them together.

Training Stubborn Puppies

How to Train Stubborn Dogs and Strong-Willed Puppies

The dog may be inclined to be in the service of the owner or may have a mind of its own. There is no doubt that if you own a dog in the latter category, you may wonder how to train such a dog. You have a very good point, and this article was written specifically to address your question.

Let’s start with this: if you’re having trouble training your pet, don’t worry. It is not unusual for dogs to be a bit reluctant at first and require a little more effort than they would. If you are patient and persistent, there is no doubt that you will eventually figure out how to train a stubborn dog.

Despite the challenges of training a stubborn puppy, you may build a relationship with your dog that will last a lifetime by being patient and consistent. All dogs have various personalities and character traits, and certain breeds are more high-strung.

Depending on your dog’s personality, you may need to start with one approach, then try another until you find one that works for it.

Training Strategies for Stubborn Dogs

The method you employ to overcome stubborn behavior should be essentially the same whether you are training a puppy or an adult dog. Several dogs may need additional time to unlearn long-term behavior, but it is still quite possible with continuous training.

Here are the strategies that can help you with stubborn dog training:

  1. Choosing the Most Appropriate Reward

Let’s be honest: When it comes to training your dog, bribery can go a long way when it comes to getting the job done. The reward must, however, be appropriate for your dog’s effort for it to be effective. How food-motivated is your dog? In that case, get your dog some high-quality treats.

You may want to offer an additional game of catch if your dog is not enthusiastic about food. In this case, the goal is to find out what motivates your dog and use that to train it to perform desired behaviors.

  1. Start with the Simplest Command

Initially, “sit” is the most straightforward command to teach. Once they learn this, most of the other commands will become easier to teach. After a while, they will start to see that if they can understand what you are saying, they will get praise and a treat.

It is important to use both visual and audible commands. In addition to saying “sit”, you should make some sort of gesture as well. Always do the same thing each time, or the dog will become confused, and the process will be prolonged.

  1. Decide on the Right Location

To ensure maximum success for your dog in training, you need to create the ideal environment. In the same way that you would not instruct a child how to read at an amusement park, you should not expect your dog to listen to you at their favorite dog park.

Try to pick an indoor space that’s calm, quiet, and free from distractions. Over time, you can begin to gradually introduce distractions to your dog as he progresses in his training.

  1. Don’t Rush Things

Don’t apply excessive pressure to the situation, yourself or your dog, or you’ll end up in a rut. Progress does not always occur overnight.

Consider taking things step-by-step and rewarding even the smallest achievements. Don’t forget about those yummy treats, too. This progress can translate into large gains in some dogs, even if it is only a small amount at the start.

  1. Avoid Punishing your Dog

Using negative reinforcement is something that can easily damage a puppy’s confidence if timing isn’t correct. Avoid using negative reinforcement until you’ve spoken with a professional. Often times our pups are not doing what we asked due to a lack of understanding/

As an alternative, reward your dog only when he follows instructions and take him back to a previous step where it was successful. It is possible to reinforce your confidence and understanding by taking a few steps backward.

  1. Maintain Consistency in your Training

Training any dog requires consistency, but when dealing with a feisty dog, it is especially necessary.

Certain family members may reinforce contrasting behaviors, which can give your dog an entirely legitimate reason for being confused, rather than stubborn. Ensure that everyone in your family is on the same page regarding training and command usage. Furthermore, it is important to train regularly and with a consistent amount of intensity.

It is not realistic to expect your dog to become proficient at a behavior after only one lesson. If you wish to see any real improvement, provide many, consistent repetitions of the same training. You must incorporate the practice into your daily routine and reward it appropriately for it to be effective.

  1. Consult a Professional when Necessary

Some dogs seem stubborn at first, but with time and consistent repetitions of the same training, they will learn. However, this may not always be the most appropriate solution. The idea of assertiveness being contrary to aggression is very important to understand, especially when dealing with training an adult dog.

If your dog exhibits signs of aggression or extreme fear, you should be concerned. You should call a professional dog trainer to assist you with this sensitive process and to provide any essential behavioral training.

  1. Become Familiar with their Language

Dogs and puppies communicate using body language. When you train your pup, you need to understand their language to effectively communicate with them. Consider the dog’s posture, behavior, and facial expressions while determining his attitude.

For example, the varying wags of his tail indicate how he feels, such as a high, rigidly moving tail indicates he is feeling tense. On the other hand, a relaxed, gentle tail denotes happiness. This distinguishing factor simplifies the process of communicating effectively.

Conclusion for Training Stubborn Dogs and Strong-Willed Puppies

These tips should provide some assistance in helping you train a stubborn dog and a strong-willed puppy. Keep in mind that clear communication and considerable patience will ensure success in the long run.

Also, remember to choose the right reward and the right place to practice, then repeat the activity as often as possible to reinforce the desired behavior.

Teaching your dog requires patience as well as refraining from using any type of punishment. If at any time during the training process, your dog becomes aggressive, you should seek immediate assistance from a professional trainer.

4 Ways to Raise An Obedient Puppy

Adopting a puppy can bring you a lot of joy, but there are also challenges attached to it. Training a puppy for obedience can be difficult, and the first few stages of getting them to do things can take a while.

Puppies add a lot to our lives and become our undeterred companions. Raising an obedient puppy requires patience and time.  They need to be taught how to do things and not think of the living room as a toilet, much like children.

Puppies if not treated properly may show signs of aggression and bad behavior, which can lead to other problems. Remember taking a dog in is a responsibility; it does not matter if you are simply adopting it or buying it for your choices, and it is a two way relationship.

Training, a lot of affection and positive reinforcement are the keys to raising a loving, healthy and obedient puppy.

Here are a few tips that can help you a lot in raising your puppy right.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best way to get your puppy to obey. New experiences can be challenging for your puppy, they may feel afraid and overwhelmed, which can cause them to freak out. When taking them on their first walk or car ride, talk to your puppy and maintain a positive attitude, and yes, keep rubbing his belly. Make sure that they feel ready for the adventure. Whenever he listens to you or does something that is positive, give them a treat if they are acting-out or barking at people or jumping on them presuming a disappointed tone is better than resorting to extreme measures and punishment.

Hire a trainer

Rely on professional help if you need help; you can always take the time out to enroll your puppy into a board and train facility.  Professional trainers will teach your puppy how to behave obediently, they will potty train him and teach them how to act in crowds and whatnot – which will make things easier for you in the long run.

Obedience

Obedience is not just limited to your dog getting off the table; training your puppy to listen to you is a powerful means of keeping the little guy safe. Practicing multiple situations such as telling your dog to come to you when in the park, telling them to jump over an obstacle or avoid touching something that may be harmful; can set the right pace for you and your dog. Telling it to lie down, roll over and stand up are starter commands that can help your pup learn to be more obedient.  And of course, a treat can always help.

Trust

Puppies require attention and affection.  They can become attached to the individual spending the most time with them.  As a result, they may begin to become aggressive or intolerant of others.  So your family needs to be as involved in their daily activities as they can. Make sure all the members in your family are on the same page when you are adopting a puppy.

Bottom Line

Your efforts will make the right impact on your puppy and they will definitely respond to your approach and actions. Using the above mentioned tips can be extremely helpful in training a well-loved obedient little puppy.

 

Ask a Professional for Advice

If you have any questions about the above information, please contact us.  Or if you would like to inquire about training options where our professionals train your puppy for you at our facility, please call us today at 832-930-0073!

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Crate Training for your Puppy

Why to Crate Train a Puppy

puppy crate training houston tx

Dog crates can serve many purposes, but two stand above all others- potty training and safety.

Anyone who has raised a puppy knows they are like small human children, and must be watched constantly or the puppy could chew up electrical cables, bedding, chew the paint off walls (yes- that too), or swallow small objects that can pose a choking hazard. It is in the puppy’s best interest to be crated when it can’t be monitored, if only to keep the puppy safe.

 

How to Choose a Good Dog Crate

Consider a well ventilated crate large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in easily. Bear in mind as your puppy grows (and they do grow fast), he will need more room. It’s usually a good idea to invest in a full size crate adjusted for his expected adult growth! If your dog is a mixed breed, consider the expected size of the larger breed in the mix.

Also, try to avoid purchasing an overly large crate. Too much room might allow for your puppy to make a mess without disturbing his immediate bedding.

Be Patient

Crate Training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s past experiences. In the case of shelter dogs, workers sometimes can’t get to the puppy in time; proper training may take longer because the dog is used to eliminating in his enclosure.

Crating and Potty Training

puppy crate training houston txDogs prefer not to relieve themselves in small confined areas or where they sleep. In the crate, your puppy will hold his bladder as long as he can. Bear in mind- that is a very small and underdeveloped bladder; your puppy will need frequent potty breaks.

Make it Comfortable

Don’t think of your puppy’s crate as a cage, but more of a comfy doggy den! Make sure the bottom is lined with soft blankets or other comfortable material. Leave a favorite toy or two in your dog crate. Most of all- never, ever, associate your crate with punishment. In order for your training to run smoothly, you’ll want your little one to enjoy his little den!

Start Small & Familiarize

This is possibly both the most important step to the training process and the most neglected. In order to avoid anxiety from developing, you absolutely must be patient and let your puppy become accustomed to his or her crate. In other words, don’t start off the bat crating for hours at a time unless it is absolutely unavoidable.

Begin by letting your puppy inspect the crate with the door open. After you do this once or twice, start out by creating your pup for short 5,10 or 20 minute intervals while you are in the room. After you’ve done this a few times, you can begin crating and leaving the room for short durations.

If you have to work on Monday, try starting out Friday after you return home. In order to create further pleasant associations, begin feeding your dog in his crate at feeding time.

Be sure to set a potty training/ crating schedule for your puppy to help familiarize them to the process!

Your Puppy’s Perspective

Dogs all too often developed separation anxiety, sometimes to an extreme, possibly even causing injury in attempts to escape or tearing up blanketing to confetti, because owners start out by caging them for day- long periods. Remember, dogs do not understand why they are being caged, and often think their pack- family member and parent has left them, never to return. How would you feel if you were placed in a small cell with no explanation or other human contact?

The entire idea behind this gradual process is to give your puppy time to adjust, showing him or her you will always return and he doesn’t need to worry. Remember to crate various times throughout the day to help your puppy familiarize himself to the process!

Summary

Introduce your dog to the crate.
Begin crating while you are in the room.
Feed your dog meals in the crate.
Start leaving the room.
Slowly lengthen crating periods (with appropriate bathroom breaks).
Begin crating your puppy when you leave.
Crate your puppy at night.

Why Never to Use the Crate as a Punishment

Comfortability ranks right up there with familiarity and patience above. You always want your puppy to form positive associations with his crate at all times! If you crate your puppy directly after chastisement, he will learn ‘crate means my parent is upset; I don’t like the crate because I don’t want the parent to be upset’.

A Small Bladder

Crate training a puppy is different from crate training an adult dog. Even if you have to work, expect to come home to soiled bedding if you leave your puppy crated all day. Small puppies are still growing and developing, and need frequent potty breaks.

On the other hand, it is a good idea to begin crating your puppy overnight. He will probably whine at first, and you probably won’t get a full night’s rest (but that is to be expected for any young puppy owner). Most puppies should be able to sleep the entire night without a potty break by 4 months of age.

  • Barring sleep, puppies under 6 months of age shouldn’t stay crated for more than 3-4 hours at a time (Humane Society)
  • It is said puppies can be crated without potty breaks for their age (months) in hours plus one. Ex.- 3 months = 4 hours
  • In order to properly develop social skills, puppies shouldn’t be separated from litter mates prior to four weeks. Many experts recommend no less than eight weeks.

Ask a Professional for Advice

If you have any questions about the above information, please contact us.  Or if you would like to inquire about training options where our professionals train your puppy for you at our facility, please call us today at 832-930-0073!

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