Our Top Training Tips
March 30, 2021Have you got the puppy training blues? We’ve been there, too– it can be a difficult, patience-testing process. However, it’s all worth it to spend some time with your favorite little fluff ball and to know that she is growing up to be a smart, well-mannered dog!
To help, we’ve gathered up some of our top tips and important insights into different aspects of the training process, including puppy biting, leash manners, socialization, potty training, separation anxiety, and crate training. Follow these steps, and you’ll have an A+ puppy training student in no time!
How To Manage Puppy Biting
Sometimes, it seems like puppies look at their humans like one big chew toy! A little nibbling is totally normal and even expected. But, it’s important to tackle biting early and redirect these behaviors before those puppy bites can become stronger. Training your puppy to be gentle can be hard work, but it will pay off in the long run! These strategies can help:
1. Redirect your puppy:
2. Don’t give in to the bites:
3. Don’t pull, go limp:
4. Teach your pup “gentle”:
Working On Leash Manners With Your Dog
Does it ever feel like your dog is the one walking you? Once you and your pup spend time working on leash manners, walks will be stress-free– and your arm won’t be quite so sore! Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Learn good (human) leash skills:
2. Ease into it:
3. Distract from leash biting:
4. Follow the leader:
5. Say hello to the outside world:
Puppy Socialization During COVID-19
During the pandemic, social distancing has made it tough for all of us to socialize– puppies included! Don’t forget that socialization is about more than just making friends. It’s also important to expose your dog to new situations and experiences so that they will be ready to take on a post-pandemic world! Especially if you adopted your dog during COVID-19 and they haven't been able to meet other dogs yet, these ideas can help you socialize your dog in different ways:
1. Embrace new experiences:
2. Exposure to handling:
3. Safe Play Dates & Walks:
4. Establish your routine:
Mastering Puppy Potty Training
It’s inevitable– accidents happen! But, with a little patience (and these helpful hints), the potty training process can go smoothly:
1. Create a routine:
2. Be consistent and patient:
3. Slow access:
4. Always praise, never scold:
Preventing Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Our dogs mean the world to us and it’s so hard to spend time apart. We may want to spend every minute snuggling and playing, but it is important to teach your dog that it’s totally okay to have some alone time, too. That way, when you do have to leave the house, your independent pal can rest easy knowing you’ll be back soon. These are some ways to help prevent separation anxiety:
1. Take baby steps:
2. Have a routine:
3. Get some energy out beforehand:
4. Calm greetings:
Crate Training Your Dog
Your dog’s crate is their very own corner of your home. Just like humans decorate and design their rooms to be comfortable, it’s important to make the crate a place that your pup wants to hang out and feels safe in. There are tons of benefits to crate training for both you and your dog! Here are some ways to start:
1. Make it’s a safe space:
2. Get creative!
3. Make it comfy and cozy:
4. Location, location, location:
The training process is such a special time of learning and growth for both you and your pup. We hope these tips are helpful as you and your new BFF start on the training journey!
Are there other training topics you want us to cover in a future post? Do you have any tips of your own to share? We would love to hear them! Feel free to reach out to our team.
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