February Is Dog Training Education Month

Have you recently adopted a puppy? That’s great news! Now that your little fella has settled in, you may have started to notice his penchant for chewing on things, like slippers and couch cushions. A little dog training can go a long way here, and can help with both keeping your home and belongings intact and keeping little Fido out of trouble. In recognition of Dog Training Education Month, here are some tips on how to train your pup.

Establish House Rules 

Decide what your canine buddy can and can’t do before you bring him home. Should he be allowed on the bed? On the furniture? Will he be allowed in any room of the house, or are certain areas off-limits? Make these decisions beforehand, and always be consistent so he doesn’t get confused.

Lead With “Pawsitive” Reinforcement

When your canine buddy does something wrong, don’t punish him. You want him to see training as a good experience, and yelling doesn’t accomplish this. Instead, reward good behavior with treats and praise. Try to redirect him towards other activities when he’s engaged in bad behaviors.

No Biting and Nipping 

When your furry friend starts biting or nipping at your hand or leg, try giving him a chew toy or a bone as a replacement. You can also try interrupting the behavior and then ignoring him.

Train Your Pup to Come When Called

The “Come” command should be one of the first things little Fido learns. When training him, be sure to use his name. Also, don’t forget to get excited and praise him when he does it right. 

Give Fido His Own Space 

Dogs need their own space, just like humans do. Make sure your pooch has his own private place to sleep, like a crate or a dog bed situated in a separate room.

Discourage Jumping 

Jumping up on you (or anyone else) can quickly become a bad behavior that’s hard to break, so you’ll want to discourage it immediately. Turning your back and ignoring the behavior, then praising Fido when he settles down, is a good way to stop this behavior.

Reward Good Behavior

Always reward baby Fido for good behavior. You can do this with toys, treats, and lots of praise.

If you have more questions about dog training or need the name of a good trainer in your area, please feel free to contact us. We can help!