Amy Dunphy

Puppy Training

Puppy training can be a trying time. The key to this time is to
really remember that all puppy behavior is normal. They like to
mouth, jump, bark, dig and piddle wherever they are. They aren’t
doing it to annoy you, they are just doing what they have learned
so far. It is our job to train them not to do these things.

Think of it as teaching your child to read. You wouldn’t punish
your child for not knowing the alphabet if they have never seen
it before right? So we don’t need to punish our puppies for
things we haven’t taught them. Here, we will talk about normal
puppy behavior and ways to encourage them to try something new.
Remember - Behavior that is followed by something the dog likes
will increase! puppy training should be a lot of fun!

Puppy behavior

Jumping: There are two ways to solve this - first, stand on their
leash. Second, teach them to sit. By teaching sit we are removing
the desire to jump.

Mouthing: See this full article on puppy mouthing.

Pulling: This one is easy. Just stop walking! If you never go
anywhere when the dog pulls, he will quickly learn. Offer a small
treat when he is by your side and talk in a happy voice to
encourage him.

The key to training any behavior is to be 100% consistent in your
efforts. Often times it will get worse before it gets better but
it will go away if you are consistent.

Puppy dog training

Try enrolling in a puppy kindergarten near you. This will really
help with socialization and early puppy dog training. Find a dog
trainer near you.

Housebreaking puppies

Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink,
eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them
to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start
sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty).
Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell
them “good potty” and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your
puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into
the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to
go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.

What if my puppy has an accident?

He will. Do not punish your puppy though. If you catch your puppy
in the act then clap your hands or pick them up - this will make
your puppy stop going. Get him outside FAST and let him finish up
out there. Reward him for going outside. Clean up the mess with
natures miracle which will remove the odor completely.

Do NOT rub their nose in it, swat them with a newspaper, or
isolate your puppy. It will only teach them to not go in front of
you.

If your puppy is going frequently in the house you are probably
not supervising them enough. Watch and learn their cues. If you
feel you are watching and your puppy isn’t getting it you can
always have them checked for a Urinary tract infection.

If your puppy piddles when you greet them, this could be
submissive urination. This would be a problem that is usually
cured by ignoring the behavior and letting your puppy calm down
before touching them when you first see them.

This article not only applies to puppies, but it is how you
should train a dog of any age. If you can’t supervise your dog,
please put them in a crate to help curb accidents. Remember, dogs
go where they go most!

This can be a trying time, so have patience and you will get
through it.

Amy Dunphy CPDT
Owner of the Dog Trainer Search
http://www.dogtrainersearch.com

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