How to Train Your New Family Puppy

Are you ready to welcome a new puppy into your family? Then congratulations! But before you celebrate too much, you need to know that a new puppy is also going to be a lot of work. Training your new puppy to use the bathroom outside, to not chew on your favorite shoes, and to obey commands can definitely be time-consuming and frustrating. But with time, your puppy will learn the ropes, and your efforts will be more than worth it when you have a loving companion at your side.

Continue reading for a few helpful puppy training tips.

Start as Soon as You Bring Your Puppy Home

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Training your puppy from the moment you bring him home is imperative because bad habits will settle in rather quickly. Start by teaching your puppy that certain items around the house are his, such as his bed and crate, his food and water dishes, and his toys, leash, collar, etc. Also begin setting boundaries regarding where the puppy can and can't go and what he can have access to in terms of household items. Finally, start establishing a routine for sleep, play, going outside, and eating.

Teaching Your Puppy to Go for Walks

Another essential aspect of puppy training is teaching your new furry friend how to properly walk on a leash with you. This is important because you need to establish safe ways to exercise your dog, and walking him is a great way to establish yourself as his pack leader.

Taking your puppy for daily walks is important, but make sure that your puppy always walks behind or beside you so that he doesn't walk in front of you and assert dominance.

Potty Training Can Be Easy

Even though potty training can be one of the most challenging aspects of having a puppy, it can be easy with the right strategy in place. Remember, every dog will be conditioned to avoid going to the bathroom in his "den," so around 2-4 months of age, a lot of puppies will naturally know to go outside.

As you begin the housebreaking process, you should start by bringing your puppy outside every morning. Go to the same area so that it becomes familiar and safe. Be consistent so your puppy will learn a new habit, and always reward good behavior when your puppy has gone to the bathroom outside.

Don't punish a puppy for going to the bathroom in the house. You don't want to create negative associations with normal bodily functions. Instead, be assertive and calm as you remove the puppy from the place where he went to the bathroom and take him outside to show him what's appropriate.

Whether you're searching for puppies for sale online from places like Little Puppies Online or you're ready to adopt a puppy in need from one of the many animal shelters around the country, just know that you're going to have to spend a lot of time with your new pet, especially when it comes to training him properly.