5 Important Things to Teach a Puppy
Learning good routines will lead to good behaviour
PUPPIES ARE DELIGHTFUL and full of fun. They can also make a mess, cry at night and chew things they shouldn’t. Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren shares her advice on the most important things to teach a puppy so it grows into a friendly, well-behaved dog.
1. TOILET TRAINING
Observation, patience and positive reinforcement are the key to toilet training your puppy. Puppies usually want to toilet whenever they wake and after eating, drinking and playing. Take the puppy to wherever you want them to toilet, give them a command, then praise them afterwards. It’s important to be consistent – same place, same command, same praise. Puppies may need to urinate every few hours, so don’t expect them to be able to hold on all night.
2. SOCIALISATION
The first few months are the most critical behaviour development period in a dog’s life. Socialising is a term describing activities that introduce puppies to a wide range of experiences in a positive and safe way. These experiences help puppies become confident, friendly dogs. Expose them to as many people, places and experiences as possible – loud noises, unexpected objects, vehicles, children, other species, umbrellas, bicycles, etc. Puppy classes can teach them to play with other puppies appropriately.
3. REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOUR
Some behaviours that might be amusing in a tiny puppy can become a real problem in an adult dog. Try to ignore bad behaviour and reward good behaviour. Be aware as to what constitutes a reward for your puppy; often they will see attention as a reward, so by paying attention to your puppy’s poor behaviour you may be accidentally reinforcing that behaviour. Reward calm, relaxed behaviour by giving them an occasional treat or praise for sitting quietly, this will reinforce their understanding that calm and quiet is good.
4. PROVIDE ONGOING TRAINING
Dogs, like humans, can experience behavioural changes through adolescence, sometimes resulting in behaviour issues from six to 18 months of age. Keep up the training as it will provide mental stimulation.
5. ALONE TIME
You might be tempted to let your cute little puppy follow you about or to carry them around all day, but this can lead to them becoming overly dependent on you and potentially anxious when left alone. Allow them to spend time on their own. Leaving them alone in a playpen or crate with a few favourite toys can help keep them secure when you’re not around to supervise.