Puppy training: 5 basic rules to teach your small dog

In order to avoid dealing with problems of outbursts and disobedience later in life, dogs need to be trained from an early age. And while some owners choose to entrust this responsibility to a dog trainer, others do it themselves. Follow the guide.

Teaching your puppy to respond to his name

After wavering between three dog breeds, you’ve finally settled on a Labrador. You’ve even decided to name him Rocky. But he still has to respond when you call him and he runs to you. Moreover, the success of a puppy’s education depends entirely on the assimilation of his name. A little tip! Make life easier for yourself by giving your puppy a nickname with a maximum of two syllables.

Of course, training will take place in a calm and quiet place. You’ll need to be very patient, as you may have to call his name several times before he turns to you. And when it does, don’t hesitate to reward the animal. Show him how pleased you are with his responsiveness. Use “good Rocky” and “yes Rocky”. Whenever you interact with him, always say his name.

Potty training your small dog

It’s usually the potty training that owners dread the most, because once bad habits are established, it’s very difficult to get the dog back on track. That’s why it’s important to start as early as possible, between four and six months. Otherwise, your dog will regularly pee and poop in your house or apartment. The secret of success in this undertaking will depend mainly on your sense of anticipation of his needs.

And as a rough guide, whether it’s for the big or the little errand, a dog needs to go to the little corner on average every two hours. You should easily be able to identify this time of day, since by observing your dog, you’ll notice that he smells and sniffs every corner of the house. Without further ado, take him to a dog park where he can finally relieve himself. And don’t forget to praise him. Impose a ritual on him by scheduling his “needs” outings at fixed times. The three key moments are often when he wakes up, after lunch and in the evening before bedtime.

Teach your puppy to wear a collar and walk on a leash

However, no walk or outing outside will be possible without the indispensable leash. And here, the objective is also to familiarize him with this accessory. That’s why, before putting the leash on your dog for an outdoor walk, start by getting him used to wearing his collar. Whether it’s a choke chain, a classic collar or a harness, no matter which model you choose, your puppy will probably try to remove his collar during the first few days. Tighten the collar enough so that the dog can’t put his paws through it, he could get hurt.

Once the dog has adapted to it, you can go on to learn how to walk on a leash. And so that he memorizes the classic commands such as the small light pull or the words “heel”, train him first in a quiet place indoors, or in your garden. Traffic noises can distract him, but especially frighten him, especially if he is not used to them. The leash should never be tight, but preferably slightly loose.

Teaching your puppy to respect his space

As much as you want your new pet to share every important moment of your daily life, a puppy needs his own private space for both his balance and well-being. This is usually a quiet place in the house where his basket and food bowl will be installed. It is indeed important to limit the territories of each one, so that the dog does not invade the places of life of its owners.

On the other hand, it is also a very effective way to keep him away from your guests if you receive your friends and relatives for example. The use of a lanyard will be necessary throughout this learning process because it is through this cord that you will show him the limits of his space, as well as the limits of yours. Repeat the exercise back and forth between the two areas until he understands

Teaching your puppy to socialize

When a dog has not been socialized from a young age, his life in the community can be very difficult. Not to mention the consequences on his character. Is your puppy fearful? Does he attack strangers and other dogs? Does he get nervous when you take him somewhere he doesn’t know? Is the doggie too possessive of his belongings? Is he easily approached by the groomer or the vet?

If you are facing these signs, you must react as soon as possible and take care of his socialization. From his first month of life, think of getting him used to different smells, noises, places, other dogs, without forgetting the domestic animals, especially the cat. Take him regularly to busy places where there are many people.