Dog Training Tips and Tricks
As a pet owner, no one knows better than you the importance of helping your dog grow up properly so they can enjoy a happy, healthy life. But pets don't come with an instruction manual - so we thought we'd share some of the PURINA ONE expert's secrets! We've included some handy hints for owners of puppies.
The leader of the pack
When it comes to understanding your puppy, it's important to remember that a modern dog is descended from a wolf - and naturally retains some of the characteristics of its ancestors. For instance, in a wolf pack there is one high-ranking animal that the others follow - the leader of the pack. Problems often occur if the puppy thinks that they are the leader, so it's important to establish yourself as the leader of the puppy's pack in order to command your puppy's respect and obedience.
Puppy love
There are a few simple rules for training your puppy that are great to keep in mind:
- Be firm, but gentle
- Be consistent
- Follow through with each command
- Never strike your puppy for disobeying
- Always reward good behaviour
- Short regular training sessions are most beneficial as the puppy has a limited attention span
Finding your voice
The way that you talk to your puppy makes a huge difference. They understand three different tones of voice:
- A high-pitched tone is similar to the sound of littermates and can be used to motivate your puppy, as in "come" or "heel".
- A matter of fact tone is the tone a dog would use to bark. This is the ideal tone for giving commands as you sound calm, deliberate and in control.
- A low tone would be much like a growl, which your puppy's mother would use to warn her pups when she's had enough of their nonsense. Always use this tone when showing disapproval, such as "NO".
The name game
It's important that your puppy learns to respond to their name and come when they are called. Use their name often and make "Come!" the first spoken command your puppy learns. Remember to always praise them straight away and they'll soon learn to associate your love and affection with this command.
House training your hound
There are three tricks to successfully house-train your puppy:
- Proper diet and scheduling
As a puppy's stomach is sensitive to changes in food you should not vary their diet during the house-training period. PURINA ONE formulas contain all of the nutrients that puppies require.
- Supervision First thing in the morning and after each meal, take your puppy outside to the same spot. Stay with them and use an encouraging tone with words like "potty time" or "hurry", so that they will associate these words with relieving themselves. Reward your four-legged friend immediately with calm praise or a PURINA treat and take them inside immediately.
- Clean up mishaps. If your puppy has a mishap in the house and the odour is not eliminated, they will return to the same spot later on. But remember, as your puppy's sense of smell is more acute than yours, conventional cleaning products may not completely remove the odour.
House-training your puppy should take four to six weeks. However, it can take up to six months so don't be discouraged if your puppy takes a while - patience and persistence will reward you both in the long run.
Play nice
Never let a puppy chew or "mouth" your hand. Teach them as early as possible that they are never to bite a human, even in play. If they start to chew on your hand, a high pitched yelp can help as this is what would happen with the puppies littermates if playtime gets a bit rough, after this warning yelp the puppy that has been hurt will move away from the puppy until it has calmed down. The same can be done with humans after the puppy has bitten its owner a yelp should be given as soon as the puppy lets go the puppy should be praised. If it carries on then the puppy will be removed from the room for a few minutes to calm down. This may feel a little harsh but it will help your puppy have more fun with people in the future.
Home alone
Because puppies love human companionship, being left alone can be stressful. Try not to make a big production out of leaving or returning, as this will only reinforce your pup's feelings of anxiety. The more matter-of-fact you can be the better as your puppy will soon realise that even though you are leaving, you will return.
Have a social animal
Your dog should interact with a wide variety of friends and strangers while they are young so they learn to get along with all kinds of people. Take them for walks, rides in the car and on family outings such as picnics. The more places you take them the more people they meet and the easier it will be for them to take new instructions in their stride.
Top Dog
These simple tips should be a big help when it comes to training your puppy. Before you know it you'll have a fully grown dog with the perfect level of maturity and behaviour - so be sure to enjoy that cute period when they are still finding their way! And if there are more serious problems with your pet's behaviour, Ask PURINA by calling 0800 212161 or consult your trusted veterinarian.
