Bringing a new puppy home is like welcoming a tiny ball of energy and love into your family. These little furballs are so cute and cuddly, but they also need to learn how to behave. That’s where puppy training comes in! Puppy training is like teaching a small child – it takes patience, love, and lots of treats. In this article, we’ll explore nine simple commands that every puppy should learn to become a well-behaved member of your family.
What is Puppy Training?
Puppy training is like teaching your new furry friend the rules of your home. Just like when you start school and learn to raise your hand or line up, puppies need to learn how to behave too. It’s a way to help your puppy understand what you want them to do and what not to do.
In puppy training, you use kind words, yummy treats, and lots of pats to show your puppy when they’ve done something good. It’s like giving them a gold star for good behavior! This helps them learn faster and makes training fun for both of you.
Additionally, puppy training is not just about teaching commands. It’s also about building a strong bond between you and your new friend. When you spend time training your puppy, you’re also playing with them and showing them love. This makes your puppy feel safe and happy in their new home.
Why is Puppy Training Important?
Puppy training is super important for many reasons. First, it helps keep your puppy safe. When your puppy knows commands like “come” or “stay,” you can keep them from running into dangerous situations, like a busy street.
Secondly, puppy training makes life easier for everyone in your family. A well-trained puppy is less likely to chew on your favorite shoes or have accidents in the house. This means less cleaning for you and more fun playtime with your furry friend!
Moreover, puppy training helps your puppy grow into a confident and happy dog. When puppies understand what’s expected of them, they feel more secure and less anxious. It’s like when you know the rules of a game – it’s much more fun to play when you know what to do!
When Should You Start Puppy Training?
You might be wondering, “When should I start training my new puppy?” The answer is: right away! Puppies are like little sponges, they soak up new information super fast. You can start teaching your puppy simple things as soon as they come home with you.
Of course, very young puppies have short attention spans, just like small children. So, at first, your training sessions should be short and fun. Think of it like playing a quick game together rather than sitting down for a long lesson.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that every puppy learns at their own pace. Some might pick up new commands quickly, while others might need more time. That’s okay! The key is to be patient and consistent in your puppy training efforts.
Command 1: Sit
The “sit” command is often the first one puppies learn in their puppy training journey. It’s a simple command that’s easy for most puppies to understand. To teach “sit,” hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose, then slowly move it up and back over their head. As their head goes up to follow the treat, their bottom will naturally go down.
When your puppy’s bottom touches the ground, say “sit” in a clear, happy voice and give them the treat right away. It’s like magic, your puppy will start to connect the word “sit” with the action of putting their bottom on the ground.
In addition, practicing the “sit” command before meals or before going for a walk can help reinforce good behavior. Your puppy will learn that sitting calmly gets them what they want, which is a great lesson for life!
Command 2: Stay
After your puppy has mastered “sit,” you can move on to teaching “stay” in your puppy training. This command is super useful for keeping your puppy safe and calm in different situations. To start, have your puppy sit, then hold your hand out like a stop sign and say “stay” in a calm voice.
At first, only ask your puppy to stay for a second or two before giving them a treat. Gradually, you can increase the time and distance between you and your puppy. It’s like playing a game of “freeze” your puppy will learn to stay still until you give them the okay to move.
Moreover, practicing “stay” can help your puppy learn patience and self-control. These are important skills that will make your puppy a joy to be around as they grow up!
Command 3: Come
The “come” command is one of the most important in puppy training. It can help keep your puppy safe if they ever get loose or run too far away. To teach “come,” start in a quiet place with few distractions. Say your puppy’s name followed by “come” in a happy, excited voice.
When your puppy comes to you, give them lots of praise and a yummy treat. Make coming to you the best thing ever! It’s like playing a fun game of “chase me” where your puppy always wins by reaching you.
Furthermore, never use the “come” command to call your puppy for something they don’t like, such as a bath or to stop playing. You want your puppy to always think that coming to you is a good thing!
Command 4: Down
The “down” command is another useful one in puppy training. It teaches your puppy to lie down on command, which can be helpful in many situations. To teach “down,” start with your puppy in a sitting position. Hold a treat close to their nose, then slowly lower it to the ground.
As your puppy follows the treat with their nose, their body will naturally lower to the ground. When their belly touches the floor, say “down” and give them the treat. It’s like you’re showing your puppy a magic trick, follow the treat, and good things happen!
In addition, the “down” command can be a great way to help an excited puppy calm down. It’s like teaching them to take a little breather when things get too exciting.
Command 5: Leave It
“Leave it” is a super important command in puppy training. It can stop your puppy from picking up things they shouldn’t, like something yucky on the sidewalk or a dangerous object. To teach “leave it,” put a boring treat in one hand and a super yummy treat in the other.
Show your puppy the boring treat in your closed fist. They’ll probably sniff and paw at your hand, but don’t open it. When they stop trying to get the treat and pull away, say “leave it” and give them the yummy treat from your other hand. It’s like teaching your puppy that good things come to those who wait!
Moreover, practicing “leave it” can help your puppy learn self-control. This is a skill that will come in handy throughout their life, making them a well-behaved and trustworthy companion.
Command 6: Drop It
The “drop it” command is another important one in puppy training. It’s super useful when your puppy picks up something they shouldn’t have, like your favorite shoe or a stick that’s too big for them. To teach “drop it,” start by letting your puppy play with a toy they like.
Offer your puppy a treat and say “drop it” in a happy voice. When they drop the toy to take the treat, praise them and give them the treat. Then, give the toy back so they learn that dropping things doesn’t mean losing them forever. It’s like a fun trading game, your puppy learns that letting go of one thing means getting something even better!
Furthermore, the “drop it” command can help keep your puppy safe. If they ever pick up something dangerous, you’ll be able to get them to let it go quickly and safely.
Command 7: Heel
“Heel” is a command that teaches your puppy to walk nicely beside you without pulling on the leash. This is a more advanced command in puppy training, but it’s super helpful for enjoyable walks. To start teaching “heel,” have your puppy sit beside you on your left side.
Take a step forward and encourage your puppy to move with you. If they stay close to your left leg, say “heel” and give them a treat. If they move ahead, stop walking and call them back to your side. It’s like teaching your puppy to dance with you, they learn to move in step with you!
In addition, practicing “heel” can make walks much more enjoyable for both you and your puppy. No more getting pulled down the street – instead, you’ll have nice, calm walks together.
Command 8: Wait
The “wait” command is similar to “stay,” but it’s used for shorter periods and allows your puppy to move when released. It’s great for teaching your puppy patience during puppy training. To teach “wait,” have your puppy sit by a door or at the top of stairs.
Say “wait” and start to open the door or take a step down. If your puppy stays put, praise them and give them a treat. If they try to move, close the door or block their path and start again. It’s like playing a game of “red light, green light” – your puppy learns to wait for your signal before moving.
Moreover, the “wait” command can help keep your puppy safe in many situations, like waiting before jumping out of the car or running out the front door.
Command 9: Quiet
The “quiet” command can be a lifesaver if your puppy tends to bark a lot. This command teaches your puppy to stop barking on cue. To teach “quiet,” wait for a time when your puppy is barking. Say “quiet” in a calm, firm voice and wait for them to stop barking, even for a second.
As soon as they stop barking, say “good quiet” and give them a treat. It’s like teaching your puppy that being calm and quiet gets them more attention and treats than being noisy!
Furthermore, the “quiet” command can help make your home more peaceful and prevent your puppy from disturbing neighbors. It’s an important part of raising a well-mannered dog.
Consistency is Key in Puppy Training
When it comes to puppy training, consistency is super important. This means using the same words and hand signals every time you give a command. It also means making sure everyone in your family uses the same commands.
Think of it like learning a new language. If everyone spoke to you in a different language, it would be very confusing! But if everyone uses the same words, your puppy will learn much faster.
In addition, be consistent with rewards too. Always praise and treat your puppy when they do what you ask. This helps them understand that following commands leads to good things!
Patience and Positivity in Puppy Training
Remember, puppy training takes time and patience. Your puppy is learning a whole new way of behaving, and that’s not easy! Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.
Always keep training sessions fun and positive. If you or your puppy get frustrated, it’s okay to take a break and try again later. Training should be a fun bonding time for you and your puppy, not a chore.
Moreover, celebrate small victories! Every time your puppy follows a command, even if it’s not perfect, it’s a step in the right direction. With patience, consistency, and lots of love, your puppy will grow into a well-behaved and happy dog.
Conclusion
Puppy training is an exciting journey that you and your new furry friend get to take together. By teaching these nine simple commands, you’re giving your puppy the tools they need to be a well-behaved and happy member of your family.
Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace. Some might pick up these commands quickly, while others might need more time. That’s perfectly okay! The most important thing is to keep training sessions fun, short, and full of love.
In conclusion, puppy training is not just about teaching commands – it’s about building a strong, loving bond with your new best friend. So grab some treats, put on your patience hat, and enjoy this special time with your puppy. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-trained dog who’s ready for all of life’s adventures!