Do you get stuck when training your dog? Don’t worry! Positive reinforcement training is the most rewarding experience for your dog and you. By nature, your pet will seek your approval, he wants to please you (although there is always time for mischief!). But he won’t be able to do it without first showing him what you expect from him.
During your dog’s life, you will have time to teach him to perform all kinds of tricks and skills. Today we are going to start with the basic teachings that every dog should know. Shall we start?
Teach your puppy to relieve himself outside
If your puppy spends all his time indoors, teaching him to relieve himself in a pre-established place is a priority for very obvious reasons! Potty training almost always involves a time of stress, a kind of trial by fire on the part of the owners. If you are constant and patient it will have a happy ending.
The idea is to start when the dog is a puppy of 3 to 4 months of age. If they are smaller, they do not yet have sufficient bowel and bladder control. And if you start later, the training period is likely to last much longer.
Follow these tips to potty train your dog:
- Meal times. Regularity in meal times is important during potty training. If it is not mealtime, food should not be available to the dog.
- Departures. The more opportunities you give your puppy the better. If possible, during the first weeks of training go out first thing in the morning, and then every 60 to 90 minutes throughout the day. And also take it out as soon as you wake up from a nap or when you finish eating.
- Familiarity. Try to always take your dog to the same place to do his business. If you have a certain place in your house where you want your pet to relieve itself, use pads, it will recognize its smell and do it more easily.
- Company. If you take him out to a patio or garden, stay with him until he does his business, don’t leave him alone until he does it himself!
- Praise. When your dog relieves himself, praise him! Giving your dog the perfect snack and with many signs of affection.
Basic commands for your dog
We all know that being with an obedient dog is a pleasure and a disobedient dog can be a nightmare. Since we do not want the latter, we must try to get our dog to comply with a few basic commands:
- Feel. This basic command helps you maintain control of your dog and is a good starting point, you can read more in Train your Dog to Sit.
- Loose. This teaches your dog to instantly release whatever is in his mouth. (It could save your dog from harm if he ever picks up something dangerous or toxic.)
- Still. Teach your dog to stay still, calm, and in one place.
- Come. Teach your dog to come to the call immediately on your command. You should start teaching this command to your puppy as soon as he recognizes his name.
Get a good leash and some toys to encourage learning, positive reinforcement is always the best method.
After learning these first obedience lessons, your dog will feel happier to please you and you will feel happier because you will gain in security and good communication.
