Helpful Information
I am including some helpful information on teaching a new puppy basic commands, tips on crate training as well as house training the new puppy. The key in all of these is to be very patient, I know at times its tough to be patient, but only use good reinforcement. Scolding a puppy with only make him afraid. Do not ever use a kennel as a punishment place, or the puppy/dog will not think of his crate as a good thing and every time he is put into his crate he is going to think he has done something wrong. Remember, always be positive!
Training Your Puppy
Basic Commands
Basic Commands
- Off/No Jumping: Back up when you see your pup coming towards you and say "Off!" or "No jumping!" Reward him when his feet are planted on the ground.
- Sit: Place a treat in front of puppy, then gently move it upwards over his head. He'll raise his head to follow your hand and, in the process, lower his rump. Push his hindquarters down to the ground with your free hand while saying "Sit!"
- Lay: Present your pet with a treat then lower it to the ground while saying "Lay!" Try gently guiding his shoulders to the floor. Give the reward when he lies down, even if it is only momentarily.
- Stay: Have your pup sit down. Back away from him a few steps while saying "Stay!" then praise him for doing just that. After a split second, reward him. Always praise him while he is still waiting, not after he gets up so that he will associate the word with the correct action.
- Come: Carry treats with you throughout the day and randomly call to your pup using his name. When he comes to you, reward him.
- Speak: Show the puppy a treat and say "Speak!" (You may have to actually bark yourself so that he gets the idea. Do this inside so your neighbors don't think you've gone to the dogs.) Once he barks, praise him.
- Quiet: After he masters barking, really get him going. Then, suddenly bring your finger to your lips and say "Quiet!" He will likely be startled and immediately stop barking. Reward him effusively.
- Give: To help avoid unwanted aggression and guarding behavior, teach your puppy to hand over his toys and food. Begin by offering him a toy-for-food trade. Say "Give!" as you make the exchange.
- Get it/leave it: Leash your dog and go for a walk. Toss a treat in front of him and say "Get it!" Once he masters this concept, try asking him to "Leave it!" Drop the treat. When he goes for it, gently bop him on the nose while saying "Leave it!" Make a game out of "getting" and "leaving".
- Getting used to new crate: Present your pet with a treat, and then put it in his kennel while saying "Kennel!" (Or "Go to bed!"). When he goes inside, praise him, but don't shut the door yet. Practice this scenario, and then begin closing the door, rewarding him with a treat through the bars. Gradually extend the time in the crate. (A word of caution: If he whimpers, don't let him out, as that rewards the behavior.) When you do open the door for good, don't do cartwheels. You don't want coming out to be better than going in.
~14 Easy Tips To Crate/House Training Your New Puppy~
1. Get a crate large enough to allow your pup space to turn around, stand up and lie down for a nap.
2. Put a soft blanket in the crate, preferably with his mother's scent on it when you bring him home.
3. Make sure to put his toys for chewing and a treat or two in the space furthest from the `door.'
4. Put the crate in a corner of room where he can feel out of the way, yet have access to you.
5. Let your pup wander in and out of the crate to get a feel for it, the crate makes a nice `den' for your puppy and he will likely take to it for comfort and solace when he is tired, over-excited or worried.
6. Remove your pet's collar/s before closing the crate to avoid any choking.
7. Have a bottle of water with ice hooked to the crate if you will leave your puppy for more than an hour.
8. When it's time to be crated, tell your puppy "Crate" or "Bed" and show him to the crate. You may put a treat in there if you have been training him with treats.
9. Don't ever: scare him into the crate, put him in there as a punishment or otherwise encourage a negative connotation to the crate.
10. Practice this several times a day during his first few weeks home. Leaving him in the crate for short intervals while you leave the house. He will soon realize that you come back and let him out.
11. If your dog needs something to chew, make sure you give him a toy that he cannot shred, break or otherwise harm himself with. If he is an aggressive chewer, I recommend the Nylabone.
12. When you let your puppy out of the crate, immediately take him outside to relieve himself. For very young puppies, this will likely be every 4 hours. (on average a puppy needs a break in as many hours as he is months old if your puppy is 4 months old, please give him a potty break every four hours).
13. When you are leaving, or putting him in the crate, give him his command, "Crate," praise him gently when he complies (but do not get effusive) you don't want him to get all riled up!) and then leave without a commotion.
14. Upon returning, open the crate and let your puppy come out at his own pace. Don't make a big fuss, simply praise him gently, put on his collar and leash and take him outside.
Crate training is a valuable asset to any training program for new puppies and can help enhance your relationship with your canine pal. A happy and comfortable puppy will mature into a well-mannered and loving companion.
-©Peggie Arvidson-Dailey
1. Get a crate large enough to allow your pup space to turn around, stand up and lie down for a nap.
2. Put a soft blanket in the crate, preferably with his mother's scent on it when you bring him home.
3. Make sure to put his toys for chewing and a treat or two in the space furthest from the `door.'
4. Put the crate in a corner of room where he can feel out of the way, yet have access to you.
5. Let your pup wander in and out of the crate to get a feel for it, the crate makes a nice `den' for your puppy and he will likely take to it for comfort and solace when he is tired, over-excited or worried.
6. Remove your pet's collar/s before closing the crate to avoid any choking.
7. Have a bottle of water with ice hooked to the crate if you will leave your puppy for more than an hour.
8. When it's time to be crated, tell your puppy "Crate" or "Bed" and show him to the crate. You may put a treat in there if you have been training him with treats.
9. Don't ever: scare him into the crate, put him in there as a punishment or otherwise encourage a negative connotation to the crate.
10. Practice this several times a day during his first few weeks home. Leaving him in the crate for short intervals while you leave the house. He will soon realize that you come back and let him out.
11. If your dog needs something to chew, make sure you give him a toy that he cannot shred, break or otherwise harm himself with. If he is an aggressive chewer, I recommend the Nylabone.
12. When you let your puppy out of the crate, immediately take him outside to relieve himself. For very young puppies, this will likely be every 4 hours. (on average a puppy needs a break in as many hours as he is months old if your puppy is 4 months old, please give him a potty break every four hours).
13. When you are leaving, or putting him in the crate, give him his command, "Crate," praise him gently when he complies (but do not get effusive) you don't want him to get all riled up!) and then leave without a commotion.
14. Upon returning, open the crate and let your puppy come out at his own pace. Don't make a big fuss, simply praise him gently, put on his collar and leash and take him outside.
Crate training is a valuable asset to any training program for new puppies and can help enhance your relationship with your canine pal. A happy and comfortable puppy will mature into a well-mannered and loving companion.
-©Peggie Arvidson-Dailey