Dogs learn behavior from parents and littermates as soon as they start exploring their world. The following puppy training checklist can help you continue this education in your home so your dog learns his place in your household.
Puppy Training Checklist: 5 Things Your New Puppy Needs To Know
Every dog owner will have their own view of necessary canine skills to teach. However, when it comes to young puppies, there are a few basics that most people want their new dog to get down. Teaching the five skills in this checklist early can make learning more complex tasks easier later on.
1. To Respond to His Name
Your new puppy does not automatically know his name. He must learn it. That’s why it’s a good idea to make this one of your first attempts on the puppy training checklist. Once your new puppy knows his name, getting his attention and directing his behavior will be easier.
2. To Use a Crate
Crate-trained dogs don’t view this space as a punishment. Instead, it is their personal quiet place to go and unwind. Crate training fosters that idea by creating a comfortable and safe environment in your puppy’s crate. Use blankets and a favorite toy to encourage use. If your dog is going to be big and the crate is large, you can create a cozy temporary puppy space by using a divider.
3. To Go in a Dedicated Spot
Teaching your puppy to relieve himself outside is one of the most important tasks you’ll face as a new pet parent. Crate training can help with this, since dogs naturally do not want to urinate in the same place they eat and hang out. However, you will also need to provide plenty of opportunities to go outside throughout each day.
Create a potty area outside for your dog to go to relieve himself. If you are using training pads, always place them in the same location inside. This consistency encourages your puppy to use the same area as a bathroom and can make potty training easier.
4. To Not Bite
Puppies are natural chewers when they are teething. However, allowing the behavior can leave you with a nippy dog that no one wants to be around, no matter how much you follow the rest of this puppy training checklist. Discourage chewing by relying on a dog’s natural behavior. Yelp to show that chewing hurts and then redirect the puppy to an appropriate object, such as a favorite toy.
5. To Perform Basic Commands
Puppies who do not learn basic commands can quickly become unruly dogs that don’t listen. You see these dogs dragging their owners down the street or running away when called. Don’t be this dog owner. Instead, teach your dog proper behavior so you can enjoy fun activities such as camping when he gets older.
A few of the essentials you should work on include:
- Sit
- Lay down
- Leave it
- Wait
The Only Puppy Training Checklist You’ll Need
Welcoming a new puppy adds a lot to your to-do list. It also makes you responsible for teaching your pup how to navigate the world appropriately. Sticking with this puppy training checklist can ensure you touch on the most important aspects of teaching your puppy new skills. Visit Rugged Standard to find the information you need to master more useful life skills.