Even if you intend to send your new puppy to doggy training school, there are plenty of house training tactics to help your new family member settle in and prevent destructive habits. They ensure that your new pet will grow up to become a loving, well-behaved canine that you’ll love for years to come. Consider the following puppy training tips pet care experts strongly recommend.

How to Successfully Train Your New Puppy

1. Decide Whether Or Not To Use Urine Pads

Determine if you want your puppy to use the bathroom outside or use urine pads inside. Do not use urine pads if you want them to go outside, as this will create confusion and increase the chance of accidents indoors. Take your puppy outside to go to the bathroom every morning when you wake up, every 30 minutes to an hour after that, and after meals. Devise a daily feeding and bathroom schedule that your puppy can get used to. 

2. Use The Puppy’s Name Regularly

Say your puppy’s name clearly and often to help them get familiar with your commands. Pet care experts emphasize that dogs are pack animals who follow the alpha dog, which is you! Tell them what a good girl or boy they are and use other positive reinforcements when they listen to you. Never use violent tones or actions to “discipline” your puppy, as this can cause them to fear you and become aggressive.

3. Provide Distractions With Toys

Keep your puppy from chewing your belongings, such as your shoes, with positive distractions. Most puppies love toys, like those that squeak and feature different textures. Provide a variety of toys to keep them engaged while setting up baby gates in areas you don’t want them to play in, such as your formal living or dining room.

4. Reward Good Behavior & Ignore Poor Behavior

Provide treats, toys, and positive words every time your puppy does what you want, such as waiting by the door to go to the bathroom outside. Discourage poor behavior, such as jumping and nipping, by turning your attention away from them. Be consistent about rewarding good behavior and ignoring bad behavior so that they learn what is acceptable and what isn’t.

5. Remember That Patience Is Key

Be patient with your puppy, as every dog learns at a different pace. Prepare yourself for accidents and reinforce good behavior through treats and positive reinforcement. Discuss home training with your veterinarian if you aren’t seeing the results you want or think your puppy has more significant health or behavioral issues. 

Get more puppy training tips from the pet care team at Covedale Pet Hospital during your puppy’s first vet visit. This vet clinic provides pet owners throughout Cincinnati, OH, and the West Price Hill area with a full suite of services, including surgical and laser therapy treatments, vaccinations, and animal emergency assistance. Call (513) 251-4666 today to make an appointment or learn more about their various pet care services online.