How to Train A Puppy Dog

By Eric Letendre

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Leash
Flat collar
Treats
Crate

How to Train A Puppy Dog

Step 1:
When it comes to training a puppy you want to make sure that you use positive reinforcement. You want to spend a lot of time rewarding your puppy for doing the behaviors that you want.
Step 2:
Start socializing your puppy. Bring your puppy everywhere. Expose your puppy to as many people as you can. Bring your puppy to the beach, hikes in the woods, parades, happy visits to the vet' s office, your groomer, any place that will expose your puppy to different sights, sounds and experiences.

Puppies go through a socialization period. The more you expose your puppy to before four and half months old the more stable your pup will be as a dog.

Develop a plan to socialize your puppy. Make a list of the places and people that you want to expose your puppy to.
Step 3:
Start crate training. I have been told that crates are mean and cruel. What you have to understand is that NOT using a crate can be unfair to a puppy that is left unattended for long periods of time. As a former animal control officer I have seen puppies that were seriously injured or killed because the pup was allowed to much freedom.

A puppy does not understand that they should not chew on electrical cords, chicken bones and old sponges. A puppy that is not confined to a crate has a good chance for injury. It is good to use a crate when you bring your puppy into the house.
Step 4:
Once you have started to socialize your puppy and you have started to crate train your pup, you can start to teach your puppy how to live with us humans. Some things you want to teach a new puppy are:

1. House training
2. Basic obedience commands
3. Leash and collar

In addition to the three steps outlined above, you also need to teach your pup that you are the pack leader. You need to give your puppy some boundaries.

I have included some ehow.com articles and videos in the resource area for you to read and watch to teach house training, becoming pack leader and basic obedience.
Step 5:
When you put a leash and collar on your puppy, let your pup drag the leash around. It will take some getting used to on your puppies part. NEVER put a choke collar on your puppy. Your puppy is still developing, mentally and physically. You don't want to injure your puppy.
Step 6:
Take a lot of pictures. Your puppy will grow very fast and you'll be happy that you took a lot of pictures.

Tips & Warnings

Start training early
Use a lot of positive reinforcement
Socialize your puppy. Bring your puppy everywhere you can.
Crate train your pup.
Become pack leader by communicating to your puppy in a way that they understand
Don't use a choke collar on your puppy
Don't use harsh methods
Don't become pack leader through force.

Resources

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