Puppy Training and Socialization

It’s a bit daunting when you get your new little bundle of puppy love home for the first time.  When they are up on your couch with you giving lots of kisses and cuddles its hard to fathom that puppy love like that can lead to bad behaviour.

The last thing we want is our puppies to destroy our belongings.  It is important before you get your puppy home to puppy proof your house. As silly as it seems, get down on all fours and look around your house the way your puppy would.

Make sure electrical cords are tucked away securely, shoes are in a safe place, food items are out of reach – looking out for all of the small things we may miss.

There is no point in bringing a puppy into your family if you can’t give them plenty of love and affection but there definitely has to be boundaries from day one.

click here for information on Puppy School at PetO

Here are some tips for making your puppy a civilized one

Puppy School is a great and practical way of teaching owners and puppies alike good behaviours from a young age.  It also lets them mix with other puppies.  This is called socialization and a well socialized dog will often become a well behaved dog
• Training your puppy should be a positive experience.  It is important to only do small blocks of training so that it is effective, as a young puppy has a short attention span.  Only 15-20 minutes per day is a guide to follow and is dependent on the puppy’s attentiveness.  Remember always use positive reinforcement to make your training sessions a time your puppy will love
• make sure your puppy has a warm secure place to sleep, it is important not to have them sleeping up on beds or couches as this puts them on the same level as you, you must always be above your dog
• you should feed a young puppy three times a day, your puppy should not be present while your family eats and tidbits from the table are a big no no
• Treats are invaluable while training a puppy but make sure you factor these into meal time so your puppy is not getting too much food each day.   Make sure you are not treating for every single good thing a puppy does or they will only do what you command when food is present, use praise along with treats
• Make sure get your puppy gets used to being handled from a young age - gently massage their paws and ears and get them used to being handled by all the family.  Brush your puppy with a soft brush from a young age and this will make grooming and trips to the vet easier later in the dog’s life
• As cute and kisses are from a puppy its important not to let them lick your face - little wet kisses turn into big sloppy kisses later in life
• Do not encourage your puppy to jump up even when excited, ignore this naughty behaviour.
• Do not ever yell at your puppy using his or her name as they will begin to learn that whenever they hear their name that it means something negative and will not come when called.
• Never let a puppy mouth / gum or nip you,  It may be cute while they are little it may become a prblem when they are full grown.
• Toilet training a puppy can be frustrating but persistence is always the key.  Use positive reinforcement and ignore the bad behaviours.  Try and get your puppy into a routine of going outside after meals.  When your puppy goes to the toilet in the appropriate place provide lots of praise and a food reward. Puppy pads can be provided to give the puppy an area to toilet while inside.
• If your puppy goes to the toilet inside it is important to use the appropriate type of cleaning products. Enzymatic cleaners such as Urine off will break the odour down so even your puppy can't smell it.  If you catch your puppy in the act take them straight outside and provide praise if they continue to go.
• If your puppy is persistent with going to the toilet inside you may consider crate training, speak to a pet care professional about the different methods
• Get your puppy used to his kennel or bed with gentle encouragement and treat rewards. 
• Make sure you have control over your puppy when walking them; some puppies will struggle with lead training but be patient and full of praise and yummy treats  Obedience schools are great if you want to take puppy school a bit further
• Finally remember to have fun with your puppy - the more love and praise and training your puppy gets the better the bond is between you and your dog