Training Your Pup: Tips and techniques

Bringing home a new dog, regardless if they big, small, young, or old, can present you with a set of challenges. Not everyone hits the jackpot with a pup who somehow comes pre-programed with training and socialization. If this is you, I envy you, just a little! From training the basics to correcting behavioral issues, it is important to establish a strong foundation early on in your pup's life, if you are able to. Here are some tips and techniques to help you train your pup effectively:

1. Start Early: It is so crucial to a puppies development to start socialization and training within their first 12-14 weeks. Obviously when getting a puppy you won't be taking them home until they are at least 8 weeks old. Which only gives you about 4-6 weeks to properly socialize them. Which is why it is so important to buy from a reputable and ethical breeder.

   1. For those of you who adopt or happen upon a pup that was not ethically breed, don't fret. As long as you start training as soon as you bring them home, you can help them adjust and teach them to be confident. Keep in mind, though, no amount of training can 100% change the experiences, or lack there of, your pup had when they were 14 weeks and younger.

2. Positive Reinforcement: One of the most effective training techniques is positive reinforcement. All this means is rewarding your pup with treats, praise, affection, or playtime when they exhibit desired behaviors. Positive reinforcement teaches your pup if they do certain behaviors, they will be rewarded.

3. Consistency is Key: Without consistency, your dog will never learn what you are trying to teach them. Remember, dogs don't actually come pre-programed with training. It's up to us as their owner and teacher, to show them how we want them to behave. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and for this reason, use only one cue per behavior, don't repeat the cue over and over, and do your best to train your pup every day, even if only for 3 minutes.

   1. Repeating a cue over and over teaches them that "sit, sit, sit" means sit. If you say your cue, "sit", and they don't sit within 10 seconds, you are rushing the process. It's important to to back a step in training so your dog can properly learn what you are asking them to do.

4. Patience and Persistence: Training a pup takes time and effort, so it is important to be patient and persistent. Dogs learn at their own pace, so don't get discouraged if progress is slow and don't force your dog to train when you, or them, are not in the right mindset. Trust the process and remember that progress is not linear. Eventually, you will see results, and it's equally important in celebrate small wins as much as it is to celebrate big wins.

5. Seek Professional Help: If you are struggling with training your pup or dealing with behavioral issues, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional trainer who can provide you with personalized guidance and support to address your pup's specific needs. Remember, training your pup is a journey that requires dedication and commitment. By following these tips and tricks, you can build a strong bond with your furry companion and set them up for a happy and well-behaved life. Happy training!