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Training a Puppy Dog
with Positive Methods
Are you the proud owner of a high energy pup? Training a puppy dog can be a daunting task when you are not sure what to do. It gets worse when everyone is trying to give you advice and making it all even more confusing!
Don't despair! You will find in this website advice, tutorials and information based on behavior science.
You will learn dog obedience puppy training using gentle methods and fun activities.
Positive dog training techniques are reliable, fun and they will bring you closer to your furry friend!
The one thing you will need is patience. Learning takes time, your puppy is getting to know you and trying desperately to understand you. It is up to you to find the best way to communicate. Understanding how dogs learn and how they communicate will help you and your pup become true best friends.
How do you start training a puppy dog?
During puppyhood, there are 3 very important things to focus on: potty training, bite inhibition and socialization. The reason they need to be taught early in your pet's life is because it will become harder (almost impossible in some cases), if you wait until your dog is older.
On of the most popular myths in dog training is that you can't train a puppy, you must wait until he/she is 6 months or older - WRONG! This myths is actually hurting the lives of many dogs because socialization needs to happen before the age of 4 months. You can start training your puppy as soon as he arrives at his new home. Even better, if you buy a dog from a breeder, choose one that has already started with socialization and potty training.
You can also start training a puppy dog commands and manners but if you puppy is less than 4 months old, I want you to focus first on these three tasks:
Puppy Potty Training
Teaching your dog to eliminate outside takes time and patience, but if done correctly and with positive methods it can be accomplished in about a week! I want o warn you though, very few puppies learn that fast. As long as you see small improvements, you are doing things right! Follow this link for detailed information on how to potty train your puppy.
Puppy Socialization
Dogs go through several critical periods during their development. Socialization is one of the most important ones. During this period you should work with your little canine friend intensely but cautiously because the window to get a healthy, happy and confident dogs is short.
Your puppy needs to have positive interactions with many things, people, place, etc. This will help him adjust better and become a reliable and friendly adult dog. This article teaches you how to socialize your puppy in a positive way. You will also see a list of all the things your puppy should be socialized too!
Puppy Mouthing (bite prevention)
Tired of being scratched by those puppy teeth?
Part of training a puppy dog means to teach them how to use their mouth properly. Dogs can learn how to modulate the pressure applied with their jaws and they learn this during puppyhood. Every family pet needs to learn that when playing with humans no teeth or pressure are allowed at all! The best time to teach this is during puppy-hood.
During this time, you should also teach your dog to play with his/her toys. Yes! you need to teach them, they don't necessarily know that what you give them is a chew toy. The best way to start is introducing slow feed dog bowls and interactive dog toys during your puppy's meal schedule.
Next steps in training a puppy dog
Ok, now that you know what to do about the three most important things to teach a puppy dog (potty training, socialization and bite inhibition), it's time to learn some basic dog cues and teach your puppy manners. Here is a list of ideas to get you started.
Puppy Obedience Training
Make life easy on yourself and teach your pup basic commands! These will become useful to avoid undesirable behaviors and also to prevent accidents!
Puppy Manners
Training a puppy dog also means to teach him good manners. Dogs need to learn that when living around people there are certain behaviors that are not appropriate. Puppyhood is the best time to teach these things to your furry friend!
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 Ask for permission: This will teach your puppy to look at you for permission before running away. Like chasing cats! |
 Stop puppy barking with the "Speak/Quiet" commands. |
 Teach your dog to stay calm in his or her crate. Crate training is useful for potty training, preventing home destruction and giving your puppy a safe and quiet place to rest. |
Best Puppy Training Books
If you are already eager to learn more about how to train your puppy, these are the best books out there! The authors of these books are renowned positive dog trainers with the best tips, advice and knowledge out there.
The Dog Lover's LibraryOk, this is not just a books. This is the WHOLE package deal. Ian Dunbar is the best puppy dog trainer out there, he has written several books and has given countless seminars around the world. I had the luck to go see him at a seminar in Texas. In his Dog Lover's Library, you get all of his books in PDF and many hours of video and audio from all of his famous seminars. Highly recommended if you want to learn a lot about your puppy's behavior and the best way to train your dog. It includes basic puppy training, dog obedience and manners and also how to solve problem behaviors. |
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The Culture ClashA must read for any pet owner, this witty and informative books will teach you how to better understand your puppy and so prevent problems. It is one of the best dog training books out there and I highly recommend it. |
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The Puppy PrimerAnother great author and dog trainer, Patricia McConnell has written several excellent books. This one will help you start training a puppy dog the right way. |
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Continue With More Puppy Training and Care
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If you are thinking about getting a new puppy but are unsure about what this will entail. Then this article will ask you some questions to help you decide. |
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Don't know how much or how many times a day to feed your puppy? This cart will tell you exactly what to do. |
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Clicker training is a dog training method to teach your pup everything you want. It's fun and easy to learn. Try ti! |
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A fast way to get your puppy learning new commands is using hand signals. Dogs understand our body language better than our words. Start teaching your puppy today! |
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Learn why and how it is important to feed your dog from slow feed bowls and/or interactive dog toys. |
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Potty training a new puppy
the complete guide to potty training your new puppy for beginners. Everything you need to know and succeed! |
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Should I get a puppy:
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Puppy potty training not working?
Find the solution to help your puppy learn how to pee and poo in the right spot! |
Most of all enjoy your puppy and have fun! If you have questions or
comments please contact me and don't forget to tell us your pup's story!
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