Puppy training should be fun! These little balls of fun are eager to please and just need proper guidance to become the perfect addition to your home. My usual advice for how to train a puppy is remembering to use positive reinforcement. Punishment may achieve some results, but you will make much greater gains in puppy training when using praise, play and treats as rewards! Consistency is also important. Everyone in the home should be following the household plan for training your new puppy.

The key to any training program is teaching your puppy to sit. This is the most important thing to teach your dog (old dogs can learn new tricks). I like to do this just before the puppy is fed. Most dogs are motivated by food so we use this to our advantage while puppy training. With the bowl filled with the proper portion of food for that meal in your hand, use the kibbles as puppy training treats. This way, we are not feeding our puppy too much in the form of treats. Take one kibble in your hand and slowly move it above and over his nose. Your puppy will move his nose up to sniff the food. Do not let him have the food, instead continue to slowly move your hand backward while saying sit. The puppy will follow your hand movement by moving their nose up and backward.

This movement will naturally cause them to sit. As soon as they sit, repeat saying sit and give them the piece of kibble and praise! Your puppy just sat on command! Keep repeating these steps for the next ten to fifteen minutes. Puppies have a short attention span so keep it short and fun. Soon your puppy will be sitting by their bowl when they know it is time to eat. This basic step in puppy training will help you in many situations throughout their life. Good luck and have fun! And as always,consult usif you need further advice on how to train a puppy.

Good Luck!

Dr. Kent Morley