Becoming a puppy owner for the first time is an incredible experience. You have a beautiful fur baby who is entirely dependent on you for care, sustenance, and comfort. It’s up to you to train your new pet, too, so that they will be well equipped to handle new situations and people as they grow older. Here are three dog training tips that can help new owners.

How to Train Your First Puppy

1. Teach Valuable Commands

Just like children are taught good habits at a young age, the same principle applies to puppies. There are several basics that all canines should know, including “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” But you can also teach your furry friend other commands that focus on behavior so that they learn the fine arts of offering respect to others and practicing self-control.

“Drop it,” for example, will help your dog learn to let go of items as needed. “Off” can be useful for helping your pet stay away from surfaces that they shouldn’t be on, like others’ furnishings or belongings.

2. Build Socialization Skills

A key part of basic dog training is building socialization skills. Puppyhood is the best time to teach this concept because it allows them to recognize the simplicity and enjoyment of many social situations. By exposing your pet to different environments, new objects, and unfamiliar faces regularly, you provide them with a much better chance of assimilating to unexpected situations and faces without fear or aggression.

Moreover, socializing is a terrific way for dogs to build their own “network” of puppy friends; you can spend quality time with fellow pet owners and allow your fur babies to run around and play together.

3. Practice Gentle Handling

Puppies love to be cuddled and nurtured. They’re fun and feisty little animals that generally enjoy attention and adoration. But as they age, dogs may be less inclined to be handled with the same frequency. The very same pups that loved being held might suddenly pull or dart away.

You can prevent this transitional behavior by practicing dog training with treats. When you handle your puppy during those early years, give them a treat as you do so. For example, you can rub their back or their paw and pass a treat or touch their tail and give them a goodie. This will teach them to recognize touch as a positive action.  

Pet owners throughout Myrtle Beach, SC, trust in the caring and experienced staff at K9 Cabana Dog Resort & Training Center to provide everything from dog training to grooming. The 7,500-square-foot facility is a dream for canines of all ages. There are indoor and outdoor sections, a water park, and a team of qualified doggie day care specialists. Visit them online to find out more about checking your pet into this fantastic dog hotel or call (854) 854-5959 to speak with a representative.