Training Your New Puppy

One of the key elements to training your new pup is consistency. You will be able to train your pup much quicker by using the same command each and every time than you would if you chopped and changed between single word commands.

Remember a pup is much like a young child and therefore has a reasonably short attention span, try not to train for more than ten to twenty minutes at a time and always try to make it fun.

Your pup is never too young to start learning the basics and the first things you’ll want to start them with are sitting, staying and coming when called.

Teaching your puppy to stay will require a little extra effort but is very much worth it.

Find somewhere where your pup will not be easily distracted and tell it to sit. Once it has assumed the sitting position, make eye contact with your pup and slowly start backing way, your pup’s first reaction will probably be to follow you. As soon as you see it start moving say “Stay," and get it to sit again. This will take a lot of effort and patience.

Initially don’t make it stay for too long, once it has followed the command call it to you, using whichever command you choose ("here," "come," and your puppies name) when it reaches you again praise profusely and offer treats. This is also part of teaching your dog to come when it’s called so always use the same command, even when playing around.

When your pup does this to your satisfaction, make it a little harder by turning your back on it and walking away. Again if your pup gets up to follow, say “stay," and start over again. As soon as you’ve reached a set distance turn and call your pup to you.

Two other handy tips when training your new pup, make sure all members of the family know which commands you are going to use, and they follow through and use the same commands; it can be too confusing for a young pup if one family member uses one command and another something else.

And always remember, your pup wants to please you, praising for achievement rather than punishing for failure will make your puppy training a rewarding experience for both you and your pup.