Patience, persistence essential to training a new puppy

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting event, but the amount of responsibility, understanding and dedication it entails should not be underestimated if you want that puppy to grow into a well-trained companion and member of your household.

Training a puppy is a process that requires cooperation from everyone involved. Conveying consistent messages will both enable the puppy to understand what’s expected of him and to see you in the dominant role of “pack leader” or “alpha dog.” (Dogs are pack animals by nature, and will either follow a leader or try to lead themselves.) The essence of training a puppy is consistent communication, which is not necessarily always verbal.
One of the most important steps to ensure a well-adjusted dog is to properly socialize a young puppy by exposing him or her to as many positive situations and happy interactions with other people as possible.

A particularly effective way to housetrain your puppy is to use a crate specially made for this purpose (available in pet-supply stores). The crate should be neither too large nor too small for your puppy, and contain a towel or washable small blanket for bedding. It’s best not to feed your puppy in the crate, however. Typically, dogs will not relieve themselves where they sleep, which is one of the theories behind using a crate to help housetrain your new puppy. A puppy also should never be left “home alone” without being placed in his crate.

Crying may be an indication the puppy wants to go out, but if he does not relieve himself once outside, be sure to return him to the crate. A puppy should not be expected to “hold it” as long as an adult dog, so be sure to take him out enough times to allow him to go in the right place. Likewise, you should not expect a young puppy to be able to go the entire night without having to relieve himself. Take him out right before bedtime and first thing in the morning. Also be sure to take your puppy outside immediately after eating.

When you do take your puppy out to go, try to avoid distractions like play. It’s also advisable to bring the puppy to the same spot. While he should be praised for doing what you wanted, do not punish him for failing. Instead, return him to the crate and try again in 20 minutes. Punishment only creates anxiety, which, in turn, often leads to bad behavior.

Inevitably, the puppy will have accidents. If you witness one, use a firm “no” and take the puppy outside to his designated location. If the puppy has already finished and left the area, he or she will have a difficult time making an association between “no” and the accident. Be sure, however, to wash and deodorize the spot well since the puppy will have the tendency to return to the same location.

These inevitable accidents may be frustrating, but patience and consistency, balanced with praise, will go a long way in expediting the training process.