1. Socialization

Puppy socialization is the process of gradually introducing your puppy to a variety of people, places and experiences early in life. Socialization is so critical because it can prevent a dog from developing behavioral problems later in life such as extreme fear or aggression. Even if your puppy does not seem to have an issue with storms, resource guarding or separation anxiety, problems can develop anytime in a dog’s life. In order to help buffer any future phobias, now is the time to develop the ‘no worries’ attitude with common fears. To do this pair potential fears (like storms or strangers) with something your puppy finds valuable such as food or games.

2. Getting your puppy use to being handled and groomed.

As early as possible, you should start getting the puppy comfortable with being handled and groomed. You should get your puppy used to grooming, wiping his feet, brushing his teeth, reaching for him quickly and trimming his nails. In these daily exercises, you will be teaching your puppy to trust you and to view these procedures as enjoyable and not stressful.

3. Self-control

It’s critical for puppies to learn self-control.  Many of the behaviors our dogs do that we find annoying or unacceptable result from a lack of self-control. These behaviors include pulling on the leash, jumping on people, chasing squirrels or stealing food and counter surfing. Teaching a dog self-control, begins by teaching the puppy to wait at doorways, loose-leash walking and manners around the food bowl.

4. How to stay calm in a crate

Teaching a dog to remain calm in a crate is important for housebreaking. Crate training is very helpful; when you need your dog contained at the vet or can’t have your dog underfoot. It’s really easy to keep up being calm in a crate if you do a little bit of it each day

5. Teaching their name

Teaching your puppy his name is so important. Say your puppy’s name, and when he looks at you, say ‘Good!’ and give him a tiny piece of food. Repeat many, many times, until your puppy quickly looks at you. If your puppy doesn’t look at you, just make a kissing sound to prompt him and then reward. Don’t repeat your puppy’s name over and over if he isn’t responding. That just makes him learn that his name doesn’t mean anything, the opposite of what we want.

Take a Puppy Class

Enrolling in a puppy class is the fastest and easiest way to get your puppy trained!