Puppy Training Commands

By R. Hennessy

Instructions

The Facts

Step 1:
Puppy training commands give you a valuable way to start training your pet from an early age. Although many training commands exist, stick with the basics when you are training your puppy: "sit," "down" and "stay." Using food as a reward is the easiest method of training your puppy in the beginning. Move food treats in your hand to encourage your puppy to move his body into the correct position for the different commands, then you can praise or pat it. As your puppy matures and learns the commands, you can slowly substitute verbal rewards and patting for food treats.

Significance

Step 1:
Training your puppy to obey voice commands ensures your dog's obedience. Using the same commands repeatedly throughout training helps minimize your puppy's confusion, which shortens training time. Once your puppy knows these commands, you have the freedom to go places without having to worry about misbehavior. Your puppy learns early on that you are the boss, and it will be less likely to give you trouble with dominance behavior.

Time Frame

Step 1:
Start training your puppy as soon as the two of you are used to each other, but not before the pet is about 8 weeks old. Work with your puppy in brief sessions every day, because dogs have a short attention span. You can work with your puppy for 15 minutes each day; this time can be in one session or divided into three 5-minute periods each day, but be sure to work together every day. During a session, give a command once, then use the food treat to move your puppy into position before praising or patting it. Don't give a command repeatedly, or your puppy will learn to ignore your voice.

Benefits

Step 1:
If you've ever seen a dog in the park dragging its owner along the sidewalk, then you know the benefits of puppy training commands. Teaching puppy training commands also gives you and your puppy quality time together every day. Your pet will be less likely to expend energy on destructive habits such as chewing and barking. Your puppy will quickly become more sociable with people. As you work with it, you form the valuable habit of setting aside time to spend with your dog.

Considerations

Step 1:
When teaching your puppy training commands, you should remember to be patient, because the pet is still young and needs time to learn. If you and your puppy get tired, take a break and train later when you both can concentrate. Never use physical punishment. As you work together, your bond with your puppy will develop, and you will become a better team. Start training in the same location until your puppy has grasped a command; gradually train in different locations and have other family members take turns working with your puppy so it learns to obey in all situations.

Resources

Puppy Training Basics from Pawprints and Purrs Inc.

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