Puppy Training: 7 Simple Steps to Having a Obedient Dog

The happiest dogs I have ever met are always the best trained.  Dogs live to please their masters and it is our responsibility to teach them to understand the difference between good and bad behavior.  

The steps below are easy ways to train your puppy to perform and ENJOY the most common tasks.  They teach your puppy how to feel comfortable being handled and secure with you and others.     

Although the steps below may seem like common knowledge, far too many owners do not understand the importance or the reasoning behind them.  These steps desensitize your puppy to common tasks that frighten most dogs.

Practicing the 7 steps below will eliminate the most common fears and make daily chores enjoyable for both you and your pet.  The steps provide an elemental training which allows you to raise a dog that is easy to handle and well behaved.   We will also provide you will a list of good home training books.   

1) Kennel- A kennel should be the first item you purchase, even before the puppy.  Kennels have a multitude of uses and when used to their potential can make owning a puppy very easy.  Remember, a kennel is their safe spot, an area to take naps, eat treats and to hang out while you perform chores around the house.   Pick a phrase to use when referring to going to the kennel (BUT STAY CONSISTENT) such as “go to bed” or “to the bat cave” etc,.  Place the kennel in an area you frequent often like the kitchen or living room. Encourage them to lie there while you do chores such as cooking or cleaning. Also, they should be told to stay in the kennel with the door open while you watch tv or read on the couch.  This helps to reinforce that the kennel is a safe place and that it does not mean you are leaving.  Make it a home by place a blanket and plush toy in the kennel.  Treats should always be given in the kennel; this will make them run to the kennel when the treat jar is opened.  Buying a kennel can be expensive, so make sure it will fit your puppy when they are full grown and is approved by airlines in case you decide to fly with your dog.  Here is a popular airline safe kennel.

2) Socializing- This is important to avoid aggressive behavior developing.  Handling is the most important aspect to socializing.  Cradling new puppies is a bad habit that small dog owners often fall habit to.  Always allow strangers to pick up your dog at every opportunity as well as take them straight from your arms. Also, once your pet is vaccinated take them to dog parks with their toys, this will promote sharing. 

3) Cutting the nails- Starting at a young age will save you hundreds of dollars throughout their life as well as prevent them from “foot phobia”.  It is very common for dogs to become aggressive when their feet are touched, by starting young and making nail trimming a positive experience it allows them to feel comfortable having all their limbs handled.  Also, this will save you hundreds of dollars throughout their life considering nail trimmings range from $8- $15 dollars.   

4) Bathing- Dermatologists suggest bathing your dog 1-2 times monthly to maintain a healthy hair coat.  Starting to bath your puppy frequently at a young age is a great way to get them used to water and to enjoy bathes.  It’s simple, just perform short bathes once weekly for the first couple months.  Use warm water and make it into a relaxing time for your puppy to get a nice massage.   Also, always reward your puppy with a treats afterwards to reinforce that baths mean they have been good.   

5) Toys- Providing chew toys gives your puppy a positive outlet for his/her energy.  When they are caught chewing on unacceptable items, the items should be removed and replaced with chew toys immediately.  These can be edible rawhide bones or indestructible toys like the Kong.

Leash training- Puppies should start learning to walk on leash immediately. By starting at a young age they will be much less likely to pull on the leash. One of the best devices on the market is the Gentle Leader, due to its inovative design which places tension on the muzzle instead of the neck. When tension is placed on the neck it promotes forward pull. The muzzle is very sensitive the tension causes flexion of the neck with the body following.

6) Off leash training- Having a pet that is obedient off leash for many is one of the greatest joys of having a dog.  This can be taught by purchasing a long light weight rope and calling them from increasing distances.  Also, they can be released with the a leash left attached to the collar. This gives them a false sense of restraint and often makes them reluctant to run off.   

7) Potty training- For some this can be a frustrating and slow process.  Consistency and being diligent is the basis to accomplish potty training. Start with puppy pads in the house and slowly transition the pads outdoors. These pads are easy to reconize for puppies and keep your carpet from being destroyed. Also, the key is to catching them in the act and quickly moving your puppy outside to an appropriate area to potty. Discuss a plan with all the house members so that everyone is on board and will stay consistent.