We all know that it’s really important to start training a puppy as soon as it comes home but what are the most important things to start off with?
Sit
This is a really basic foundation skill that can be used to help teach your pup many other things when its older. So, get on it early and teach your pup a good reliable sit! Trust me it will make training a lot easier for you when your pup is older.
Down
This is another basic foundation skill that can be used to help teach your pup many other things when its older. So, get on it early and teach your pup a good reliable down! Trust me it will make training a lot easier for you when your pup is older.
Stay
This one is really important to help teach your pup impulse control but also is very important for their safety. For example, a good stay command will prevent your pup from running out the front door when you open it and keep them under control before crossing a road.
Drop it/leave it
These are also really important for your pups safety! Puppies are naturally very inquisitive and since they don’t have hands, they explore the world with their mouths. This can mean that they pick up food or objects that could be harmful to them. So, its important to teach them either drop it or leave it (but ideally both) so you can prevent them injuring themselves.
Toilet train
This one is obvious, no one wants their dog to be going to the toilet in the house. So, start toilet training as soon as you bring your pup home to minimise accidents in the house. The best way to do this is to stick to a strict routine where you take your pup outside after every meal, drink and playtime.
Come
This one is another one that’s important for your puppy’s safety! You need to be able to reliably recall your puppy from exciting things (like other dogs and people) before you let them off the lead in a public area. This is so you can stop your puppy approaching dogs or people who don’t want to be approached and so that you can get your puppy to come with you when it’s time to leave.
Walk on a loose lead
If your pup can do this it will make walking them a much more pleasant experience for both of you! It is also especially important to teach this to your pup if it’s going to be large so that you have control of them once fully grown.
House manners
This one will vary based on personal preference, but it is basically teaching your pup the rules of your house. This could include no biting furniture, jumping on sofas, leaving human food etc.
Socialisation
This is really important if you want a well-rounded, happy dog! Just expose your pup to as many different, people, sounds and sights as you can in a positive way. You can even start doing this before your puppy is fully vaccinated by carrying them on walks!
Crate training
This one is also based on personal opinion but by ‘crate training’ I mean teaching your puppy to be happy on their own. It’s up to you if you choose to use a crate for this on not but putting your pup in a crate will stop them damaging your house or injuring themselves.
This is obviously not an exhaustive list but is the most important things to teach any puppy in my opinion! But always consult professional trainers if you need help or advice when training your pup.
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