Training Your Puppy

Training Your Puppy

Have you recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Your new bouncing ball of fur is bound to keep you smiling over the next year. Puppyhood is undeniably the cutest stage of Fido's life. It's also the most crucial, as far as his development goes. Little Fido has a lot to learn about how to be a good boy, and it's up to you to teach him. Read on for some training tips from a Santa Rosa, CA veterinarian.

Start Training Immediately

Don’t wait until little Fido is older to train him. Get started right away. Keep sessions short and sweet. Puppies don't have very long attention spans, and you don't want to bore your little buddy with long classes. It's worth pointing out that you can--and should--work on house training and crate training as you’re teaching your pooch about petiquette. 

Basics First

There are a few basic commands that all dogs should know. These include Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. The commands for Down and Leave It are also very helpful. Work on these one at a time. You'll likely find Sit the easiest to start with, since most pups pick it up very quickly.

Keep It Positive

Always keep training sessions positive. Always reward little Fido for getting something right. The best way to do this? Treats! Use small portions: otherwise, you could overfeed your pet, at which point he'll be more interested in napping than in learning. Some things you can use are pieces of shredded meat, hot dog slices, and bits of kibble. Don't only rely on food, though: praise and ear scritches are also important. Finally, don't work with your four-legged friend when you're in a bad mood. Dogs are very intuitive, and they can tell if we are glum or grumpy. This could cause your canine pal to form a bad association with learning. That's the last thing you want!

Be Consistent

This is a big one, and it also applies to your house rules. If you don't want your furry pal on the couch, don't let him get on it one day and then reprimand him the next. It's also important to use the same phrasing each time when teaching vocal commands. Otherwise, you’ll just confuse the little guy!

If ever we can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to call. As your Santa Rosa, CA, veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!