Imagine, you just got a puppy home. He is scared, a little shy and curled up in your arms. It’s a sight to behold but what next? How do you potty train them? Should you get a puppy leash, a puppy crate? Or is it too early to start puppy training? These questions and doubts are bound to arise but worry not. We are here to help you navigate the puppy training life!
What’s the right age for puppy training?
Let’s start with the right age of bringing home a puppy. In ideal circumstances, a puppy should not be separated from their mother until 2 months of age. Here’s why. But if the puppy loses the mother, it’s only right to adopt them as soon as possible.
The right age to start puppy training is as soon as you get them!
To start with basic puppy training yourself, you will need a few things like -
Pee pads for potty and pee training
- Puppy crate
- Puppy treats or toys
- Clicker
- Treat pouch
P.S - If you’re unable to train your puppy yourself, it’s always a good idea to seek a canine trainer’s help.
Pee training for puppies
Now naturally, the first thing your puppy is going to do after eating is pee. Initially, it can be a few hits and a lot of misses but this is how you will learn.
- Get pee pads for puppies from any convenience store. If you are not able to find them, simply use a bunch of newspapers or tissues. Place them where you want them to pee.
Since they are still puppies, you can pick them up gently and allow them to pee in that designated area. This process can be tedious and will test your patience but you can do it!
- Let them sniff the pee pad after they are done with peeing.
- Repeat this process until your puppy finally pees without your help or assistance!
Potty training for puppies
Although a lot of pet parents prefer that puppies should pee and poop in nature, it is not safe for them. Since puppies are still young and unvaccinated, their immunity is dangerously low. Exposing them outdoors will be putting them at risk of getting infections. That’s why potty training becomes important.
Pee pads are really helpful for potty training puppies
- You can use pee pads or a turf to potty train your puppy. Place it where you intend them to poop in the house.
- After a few hours of the meal, observe your puppy's behavior. After a few misses, you will be able to tell when they are about to poop.
- Since puppies are unique, the signs can be unique too. As soon as it happens, pick them up gently and let them poop in the designated area. Repeat this process until your puppy finally starts pooping there!
- A few signs to look out for are -
- Continuous sniffing of surface
- Circling around while sniffing
To read more on pee and potty training of dogs, check this blog out!
Clicker training for puppies
Clicker training for puppies is a form of positive reinforcement for doing the desired action. A clicker is a small tool that makes the ‘click’ noise as soon as your puppy does what you want. It is compulsorily followed by a treat to reward that behavior. Dog science says that when a puppy is rewarded, they are more likely to repeat that behavior.
Clicker training is helpful in training puppies
The clicker is a way to mark the exact moment when your puppy performed the desired task. Eventually, your puppy will learn that doing a good job will earn him a click which will lead to a treat as a reward.
Crate training for puppies
Pet parents often mistake crate training to be cruel. But crate training for puppies is the first step to developing a confident puppy. It is their safe space where they can rest and sleep without a worry in the world.
Again, it is important to form a positive association with the crate. You don’t want to force your puppy into it. Rather build slowly by reminding them that whenever they enter the crate, they will be rewarded.
Crate training is fun and games once your puppy gets used to it!
- Set up a crate of the right size (according to your puppy's breed) in a corner of your house. Set it up with a few blankets, toys etc.
- Place the treat at the door of the crate and let them eat it. As soon as the action is performed, click and praise them. Keep placing treats around the crate to create a positive association with it.
- Now place the treats inside the crate and perform the same action. Repeat until they get comfortable being inside the crate.
- Repeat this process throughout the day until the final desired result is achieved.
Leash walking for puppies
A leash around a puppy’s neck will invite a lot of curious head tilts from them. Puppies do not have the know-how of walking on a leash and they need to be taught and trained about it.
Treats and a puppy leash go hand in hand
The first step will be to introduce the collar and leash to them. Start with them wearing the leash in the house and reward them with treats. This will take some time but your puppy will eventually get used to wearing the collar.
Once they are comfortable, you can even carry the leash attached to their collar around the house. This will help them to learn this behavior in a positive way.
To know how to train your puppy better, click here!
Basic commands for puppies
An essential part of raising a puppy is teaching them commands. They help to form a bond of love and trust between you and your puppy. So much so that when you ask them to sit, stay and come, they will follow your lead.
Just like all other steps, teaching commands to your puppy also takes time, patience and a lot of practice!
Few commands that you should be teaching your puppy -
- Answering to their name
- Leave it
And what’s better than having a puppy? Having someone who can guide on the A to Z of puppy parenting!
If you’re planning to adopt the little bundle of joy or already have one, here’s our Puppy Intro Plan that’s tailor-made for you. From how to give the first bath to raising them right, our in-house experts will help you at each step. Enroll today for a pup-tastic future tomorrow!
Don’t forget to join our online community of pet parents, Wiggles Tribe on Facebook to stay updated with everything pets. Talk to fellow pet parents, get free advice from our experts and participate in amazing giveaways to win prizes for your furry buddies.
And while you’re reading this, we request you to register your pet as a blood donor under our initiative #BondedByBlood. Let’s save lives by donating blood!
*Disclaimer: This blog is vet-approved and includes original content which is compiled after thorough research and authenticity by our in-house team of vets and content experts. It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian before you try any products, pet food or any kind of treatment/medicines on your pets, as each pet is unique and will respond differently.
