So, you just got a new puppy? Congratulations! Now that you have welcomed a new furry friend into your household, it’s time to start the training process. Puppy classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and teach him or her the rules. Classes provide interaction with a trainer, other dog lovers, and other puppies. Whether you want to try puppy classes, hire a private trainer, or just try training on your own, Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital has a few tips to help you get started.

The top three tips veterinarians recommend are:

• Pick a Short Name With a Strong Ending: If you choose a name that ends with a strong consonant, the dog will be able to pick up on the sound quicker. A short name will also be easier on you, because you will undoubtedly be repeating it a lot in the training process.
• Ignore The Dog When He or She Jumps on You: You will want to correct this bad habit early on, especially with large dogs. Puppies jump up on you when you get home as a sign of greeting. Any reaction by you (even negative) is construed as a positive reaction by them, so the best way to correct the behavior is to simply ignore it. Once the puppy settles down, reward him with love, treats, or toys.
• Pretend That Biting Hurts: Puppies are still babies. They don’t understand how sharp their teeth are or just how hard they are biting you. To discourage them from nipping you, act like you’re in pain when they bite you. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate. Puppies will be so surprised they “hurt” you that they will stop biting. Simply repeat the same reaction every time they nip you.

Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week, and emergency services are available from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. To learn more about general animal care, puppy classes, training tips, pet health, or pet boarding, please call (808) 671-7387 or visit them online.