Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. Training your puppy from an early age is crucial in ensuring they grow into a well-behaved and obedient companion. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or experienced with pets, understanding the right training techniques will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
This step-by-step guide will cover essential puppy training tips, including house training, basic commands, socialisation, and behaviour management—all tailored for Aussie pet owners.
1. Preparing for Puppy Training
Before you start training your puppy, it’s essential to have the right mindset and tools. Puppies learn best with positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Treats and Rewards: High-value treats like cooked chicken, cheese, or store-bought training treats.
- Leash and Collar/Harness: Helps with leash training and maintaining control.
- Crate or Playpen: Useful for house training and giving your puppy a safe space.
- Clicker (Optional): Clicker training helps reinforce good behaviour.
- Patience and Consistency: Puppies need repetition and a calm environment to learn effectively.
2. House Training (Toilet Training)
House training should begin as soon as your puppy arrives home. In Australia, many pet owners have access to outdoor spaces, making toilet training easier.
Steps to House Train Your Puppy:
- Establish a Routine: Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and before bedtime.
- Choose a Toilet Spot: Pick a designated area in your backyard or outside your home.
- Use a Cue Word: Say “Toilet” or “Go Potty” while they relieve themselves to create an association.
- Reward Success: Praise and give a treat immediately after they go in the right place.
- Manage Accidents: Clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odours and prevent repeat incidents.
Pro Tip: Puppies typically need to go to the toilet every 2-3 hours. Set an alarm to remind yourself.
3. Teaching Basic Commands
Teaching basic commands helps with obedience and safety. Start with these fundamental commands:
Sit
- Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
- Move the treat upwards, so their bottom naturally lowers.
- Once they sit, say “Sit” and reward them.
- Repeat several times daily.
Stay
- Ask your puppy to sit.
- Hold your hand out like a stop sign and say “Stay.”
- Take a step back and reward them if they remain still.
- Gradually increase the distance.
Come
- Use a cheerful tone and say “Come.”
- Encourage them with a treat or toy.
- Reward them every time they respond.
Leave It
- Show your puppy a treat in one hand and say “Leave it.”
- When they stop trying to grab it, reward them with a different treat.
Down (Lie Down)
- Hold a treat in front of their nose and lower it to the ground.
- Once they lie down, say “Down” and reward them.
Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun to maintain your puppy’s focus.
4. Socialisation and Exposure
Socialising your puppy helps them become confident and well-adjusted. The critical socialisation period is between 3 to 16 weeks of age.
Ways to Socialise Your Puppy:
- Introduce them to different people, including children and elderly individuals.
- Expose them to various environments like parks, beaches, and streets.
- Arrange playdates with other vaccinated dogs.
- Expose them to different sounds, such as traffic, vacuum cleaners, and fireworks.
- Take them on car rides to familiarise them with travel.
Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun to maintain your puppy’s focus.
5. Leash Training
Leash training ensures safe and enjoyable walks with your puppy. Start by getting them comfortable with wearing a collar and leash.
Steps for Leash Training:
- Introduce the Leash Indoors: Let your puppy wear the leash around the house.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward them for walking beside you.
- Keep Walks Short: Start with 5-minute walks and gradually increase duration.
- Avoid Pulling: If your puppy pulls, stop walking and wait for them to come back to your side.
- Reward Good Behaviour: Treat them when they walk nicely beside you.
Pro Tip: Consider a harness for better control, especially for strong pullers.
6. Managing Biting and Chewing
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, making biting and chewing common behaviours.
How to Stop Puppy Biting:
- Say “Ouch” in a firm voice and stop playing when they bite.
- Redirect them to a chew toy.
- Praise them when they chew on appropriate items.
Preventing Destructive Chewing:
- Provide plenty of chew toys.
- Use bitter sprays on furniture and shoes.
- Keep valuables out of reach.
- Exercise your puppy to reduce boredom.
Pro Tip: Frozen carrots or puppy-safe chew toys help soothe teething pain.
7. Crate Training
Crate training provides your puppy with a safe space and helps with house training.
Steps to Crate Train Your Puppy:
- Make it Comfortable: Place soft bedding and toys inside.
- Use Treats: Encourage your puppy to enter voluntarily.
- Keep the Door Open Initially: Let them explore without pressure.
- Increase Time Gradually: Start with short sessions and extend over time.
- Never Use as Punishment: The crate should be a positive space.
Pro Tip: Cover the crate with a light blanket to create a cosy den-like environment.
8. Handling Separation Anxiety
Some puppies experience separation anxiety when left alone.
Tips to Prevent Separation Anxiety:
- Leave for short periods and gradually increase the time.
- Provide puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home.
- Create a comfortable and safe environment.
9. Reinforcing Good Behaviour
Positive Reinforcement Training:
- Reward desired behaviours with treats and praise.
- Ignore unwanted behaviours instead of punishing.
- Be patient and consistent.
- Gradually phase out treats and replace them with verbal praise.
Pro Tip: Puppies respond best to rewards and consistency. Avoid harsh punishments, as they can create fear and anxiety.
Concluding Thoughts
Training your puppy takes time, patience, and dedication, but the results are worth it. By starting early and using positive reinforcement, you’ll raise a well-mannered, happy, and confident dog.
Remember to stay consistent and enjoy the process. Your puppy will learn at their own pace, and with love and proper training, they will grow into a fantastic companion for years to come.
