Has a new puppy just joined your household? Congratulations! There are few things cuter than baby dogs. You will have quite a bit of work to do with little Fido over the next few months, however. Our canine companions are wonderful pets, but they need guidance when it comes to learning the ins and outs of being a Good Boy. A Ijamsville, MD vet offers some helpful puppy training tips in this article.

First Things First

Man’s Best Friend can learn up to 100 commands. That’s pretty impressive! However, start by teaching basic obedience commands. The most important ones are Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down. Down is also very helpful, as are Leave It and Drop It. Work on one at a time, and don’t move on until your furry buddy has mastered the command.

Be Consistent

Training dogs takes two things: consistency and patience. When teaching your adorable student vocal commands, use the same words or phrases each time. Little Fido doesn’t know that ‘Sit’ means the same thing as ‘Fido, sit down right now.’ This can just confuse him, and can throw a wrench in his petucation. It’s also important to be consistent with training methods. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if one method doesn’t work. Just don’t keep jumping from one style to another.

Time It Right

Choosing the right time for little Fido’s lessons is also important. You don’t want your fuzzy student to be too frisky and playful, but you don’t want him falling asleep, either. Plan to work with your puppy daily, for about 10-15 minutes each time.

Reward Your Student

Positive reinforcement is extremely important. You know what that means: treats! Use small ones, though. Otherwise your adorable student may get too full, and will become more interested in napping than his classes. Training snacks are fine, but you can also use small slices of hot dogs. Praise and attention also help reinforce good behavior. Puppies are extra adorable when they’re feeling proud of themselves!

Enjoy It

Our canine pals are very intuitive, and they can definitely pick up on our moods. Don’t work with your pooch if you’re feeling sad, stressed, or grumpy. Little Fido may become nervous if he associates those bad feelings with training. Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Ijamsville, MD pet hospital, today!