Puppy Training Tips Every Dog Owner Must Know

There are six basic commands that dogs need to know.

They are heel, sit, stay come, down and stand. When training a new puppy, it doesn’t really matter where you begin. The most important thing is to simply practice and never be in a hurry to move on. Your dog sets the pace of learning, not you.

Training sessions should run about two to five minutes. This is basically the length of your dog’s attention span. He will simply stop paying attention if you try and push him any further. Keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun for both you and the puppy.

Try to end the session on a good note, when he has done the task nearly perfect. This could be done by having him sit a couple of times for two seconds or have him heel next to you three times.

Be sure to praise him anytime he does something right. Let him know just how happy you are that he did the command correctly.

Take into consider when you want to train your dog. Generally speaking, after he has just eaten he will be pretty sleepy and the rewards won’t seem as enticing. However, you can practice the commands any time of the day, even if you are only able to do one simple command. Chances are your puppy will love the attention you are giving home.

A puppy’s motivation is simply his desire to please you. However, treats do run close behind. Things that takes too long to chew, such as dog biscuits are not good to use during training. Tiny bit of sliced cheese are perfect for training treats.

Also, a hot dog thinly sliced will perk your puppy’s interest and help him when he is not concentrating.

Rewards come in three different forms: pats, treats and verbal praise. To grade your puppy’s qualifications, consider giving him a treat the equivalent to a tradition grading scale. An “A” is a doggy treat, a “B” is a pat and a “C” is verbal praise. Any combination of the two can equal an A+.

However, it is important that you do not go overboard or you will quickly run out rewards and the puppy will give up.

Verbal praise can range from a calm “good dog” to ecstatic (if the puppy is very young and only done in the beginning). Don’t over use hot dog or cheese treats when practicing.

As he begins to master the different commands, cut back on his treat and substitute a big smile or a “good dog”.

What and how you say things to your puppy can determine just how quickly he will pick up on things. The puppy perceives all conversation as mere sounds. Try this: in the middle of one of your conversations, say his name and watch as his ears perk up. When using the one word commands, try this little lesson. By using his name, you are getting his attention.

One word tells him what to do. For instance: “Sparky, sit.” Be sure to say it loud and clear. Never use “Sparky, sit, sit, sit” or “Sparky are you even listening?” or even “I said sit Sparky”. This is considered to be nagging and a puppy will quickly tune you out. It is important that the dog is not being stubborn or disobedient, he is simply confused.

Also, avoid sounding like a drill sergeant! At all times, speak clearly and smile and leave the barking to the dog.

Training resources:

The Hands-off Dog and Puppy Training Method
"The Hands Off Dog Training Forumla" walks both Dog Training newbies AND verteran Dog owners through how to properly raise, shape and teach any temperament of dog how to be well behaved.

Daniel Stevens, Dog Obedience Training
"Put an End to the Stress and Annoyance of Your Dog Behavior Problems! And Slash Your Dog Obedience Training Time in Half by Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!"

Advanced Dog Training by Dove Cresswell
Training for all breeds and sizes of dogs

Dog Training Mastery - An Owners Manual
The Amazing Insider Secrets That You Can Use Right Now To Completely Transform your Dogs Behavior Quickly And Easily!