HINTS Training a puppy

HINTS Training a puppy

It is essential to start on the right foot, as they say! What I can tell you is that I personally follow 3 basic principles:

1. ALWAYS REWARD THE RIGHT BEHAVIORS i.e., those I want to encourage with a caress, a compliment and a tasty snack-this is called positive reinforcement. IGNORE any unwelcome behavior by gently redirecting it without shouting or punishing; punishments (especially physical punishment or yelling) are counterproductive and can create fear or aggression.

2. COHERENCE always use the same word to give a “command,” if you want to ask him to sit down use the word SIT not sit down, put down or other different synonyms each time. Choose one word and always use the same one and the whole family should do the same. The same principle applies for rules to follow, if you decide he can’t sit on the couch NEVER allow him to do so, once you say yes he will always demand it and the inconsistent ones are YOU, so don’t get mad!

3. DON’T bore them with overly long education sessions; puppies pay attention for at most 10 minutes

4. Don’t waste time education starts now

Practical Education

1. Needs at Home and Away

• Routine: Establish a set routine for meals, sleep and outings. Take your puppy outside immediately after he wakes up, after eating or playing, and regularly every 2-3 hours.
• Feeding: Don’t give food from the plate especially if you are sitting at the table EVER, don’t get him used to begging from under the table. Food cooked with flavorings is not good for dogs! When you take him to a restaurant or pizzeria you will be overjoyed because he will be good without being noticed.
• Immediate Reward: When he dumps outside (or on the sleeper, if you use it), reward him immediately (within 3 seconds!) with enthusiasm, stroking or a treat. The association between the action and the reward should be very quick.
• Accidents at Home: If you catch him in the act, a sharp “No!” is enough, then take him outside immediately. Don’t scold him if you only find the “surprise” late: he won’t understand why he is being scolded and may learn to hide to do his business.

2. Basic Commands

Start with simple commands such as:

• “Sit”: Use a treat to guide the puppy’s muzzle backward and upward; when he sits naturally, say “Sit” and reward.
• “Come”: Start in a quiet environment, call him by name followed by “Come!” (in a cheerful tone) and enthusiastically reward him when he reaches you.

3. Socialization

• Expose him to the World: The crucial period for socialization is in the first weeks/months. Exposing him to different noises (vacuum cleaner, traffic), different surfaces, different people (men, women, children) and vaccinated dogs is crucial.
• Positive Experiences: Make sure every new experience is positive, not scary. Let him approach and smell things in his own time.

4. Don’t Bite (Bite Inhibition).

• Interrupt Play: If he bites you too hard during play, let out a high-pitched “Ouch!” and immediately stop play for a few seconds by walking away. This mimics the way puppies learn from each other.
• Redirect: Always offer him an appropriate toy or chew bone when he feels like nibbling.

5. Accustom him to Being Alone

• Gradual Process: Start with very brief absences (a few minutes in another room). Leave him a chew toy (such as a stuffed Kong) to keep him busy.
• Dramatic-Free Arrivals and Departures: Don’t have big parties when you leave or return. Make the time neutral so that your puppy does not associate your departures/arrivals with undue emotional stress.

Remember, patience is your best friend. There will be good days and not so good days, but consistency over time will pay off! A WELL EDUCATED DOG CAN FOLLOW YOU EVERYWHERE and you will both be happy.