Bringing a new puppy into your home is like welcoming a tiny, furry tornado of joy… and maybe a little bit of chaos! 🌪️
It’s super exciting, and you’re probably bursting with love already 🥰.
But, alongside all the cuddles and puppy breath kisses, it’s also the perfect time to start laying the foundations for a lifetime of happy companionship.
This article is your go-to guide for navigating the exciting world of puppy training, and is inspired by the work of expert dog trainer Tom Davis!
Packed with practical advice and easy-to-follow steps, it breaks down the first five essential things you need to teach your new puppy 🐶.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just looking to brush up on your training skills, Tom Davis’s friendly and effective techniques will empower you to build a strong bond with your furry friend and set them up for a lifetime of good behavior and happy companionship 🥰.
You’ll see Tom’s video at the end of this article.
Get ready to unleash your puppy’s potential! ✨
Step 1: Building Your Bond Through Hand Feeding 🤝
First things first, let’s talk about relationship building…
Think of your puppy like a little sponge, soaking up everything you teach them, right from day one.
And one of the easiest and most effective ways to start building that bond?
Hand feeding!
Yep, it’s as simple as it sounds.
Instead of just plopping their food bowl down, make your puppy work for their meals…
Here’s how you can do it:
- Pour their usual kibble into a treat pouch or your hand.
- Use their name frequently as you offer them kibble, like “Winston, good Winston!”
- Keep training sessions short and sweet – 10 to 15 minutes is perfect for a puppy’s attention span ⏳.
- Remember, puppyhood is all about fun too! After training, let them be a puppy – zoomies, playful nips, and all the cute stuff! 🧸
This isn’t about making meal times a chore… it’s about making YOU the most exciting thing in their world…
You become the source of all good things, starting with yummy food! 😋
Step 2: “Place” Command: Your Puppy’s Safe Zone 🏠
Next up, the “place” command…
This one is a game-changer!
Seriously, teaching your puppy to go to a designated “place” is like magic ✨.
Imagine having guests over, or trying to enjoy dinner in peace…
The “place” command is your secret weapon for a calm and well-mannered pup 😇.
It’s also fantastic for setting boundaries…
Think of it as creating a little island of calm for your dog.
Once they’re on their “place” (it could be a bed, a mat, anything!), they stay there until you say otherwise.
This helps with:
- Thresholds: Teaches them to wait before going through doorways.
- Boundaries: Helps them understand where they are allowed to be.
- Safety: Gives them a safe spot to retreat to when things get overwhelming.
Teaching “place” is easier than you think! You’ll need:
- A leash
- Yummy treats (high-value ones!) 🍖
- Their “place” – a bed, mat, or even a towel will do!
Lure them onto their “place” with a treat, using a verbal marker like “yes!” when they get it right.
Reward them with small, tasty treats – liver treats are a winner!
And don’t forget the “break” command to release them…
“Break” is just as important as “place”…
It tells them when their “shift” is over and they are free to move.
Speaking of training treats, Winston, my Labrador, goes absolutely bonkers for liver treats…
He’s usually a well-behaved boy (most of the time 😉), but wave a liver treat in front of him, and he’ll perform any trick in the book!
It’s all about finding what motivates YOUR puppy!
Step 3: “Stay” Command: Patience is a Virtue 🧘
Building on “place,” let’s introduce “stay”…
This command is all about teaching your puppy self-control and patience…
And trust me, patience is a virtue, especially with puppies! 😅
Some people use an “implied stay” with “place,” meaning the dog stays in their place until released.
But, a separate “stay” command can be super useful, especially for those moments when you need your pup to just… well, stay!
Here’s the lowdown on teaching “stay” on top of “place”:
- Once your puppy is on their “place,” say “stay.”
- Reward them for staying put, even for a few seconds at first.
- Don’t repeat “stay, stay, stay!” It’s confusing for them! 😵💫
- Use positive reinforcement and verbal praise like “good stay” while they are holding the stay.
- Gradually increase the duration of the stay as they get better.
Remember, learning takes time…
At first, “stay” is temporary…
But with practice, it becomes second nature.
Eventually, just one cue will be enough, followed by a “good job!” and maybe a tasty treat. 🥳
Step 4: Crate Training: Creating a Den of Dreams 😴
Crate training…
Some people are unsure about it, but trust me, a crate can be a puppy’s best friend…
It’s not a punishment; it’s their safe haven, their den, their puppy palace! 🏰
Crate training is fantastic for:
- Safety: Keeps them out of trouble when you can’t supervise.
- Anxiety Reduction: Provides a secure and comforting space.
- House Training: Puppies are less likely to eliminate where they sleep.
The key is to make the crate a positive experience right from the start…
Don’t just shove them in and slam the door! 🙅♀️
Instead:
- Introduce the crate gradually.
- Make it inviting with comfy bedding and toys.
- Feed them meals inside the crate.
- Use the “crate” command as they go in, rewarding them enthusiastically.
For the first few days, focus on making the crate a happy place…
Leave the door open, toss treats inside, and let them explore at their own pace.
Once they are comfortable going in, you can start closing the door for short periods, gradually increasing the time.
And remember, consistency is key…
“Crate” should always mean good things are about to happen! 🤩
Step 5: Recall: Come Back to Me! 🏃♀️
Last but definitely not least, recall…
This is HUGE!
A reliable recall could save your dog’s life…
Plus, it makes life with your furry friend so much more enjoyable.
Imagine the freedom of off-leash adventures, knowing they will come bounding back to you when you call! 🏞️
Teaching recall starts simple:
- Use a happy, enthusiastic tone.
- Say their name followed by “come!” – “Winston, come!”
- Use a leash initially to gently guide them towards you.
- Reward them BIG TIME when they reach you – praise, treats, cuddles! 🥰
In the beginning, practice recall in a quiet, distraction-free environment…
Your living room is perfect!
As they improve, gradually introduce the 3 D’s:
- Distance: Practice recall from further away.
- Distraction: Practice with mild distractions, like toys or other people.
- Duration: Make them wait a little longer before you call them.
But for now, remember that recall is all about making coming back to you the best thing EVER! 🎉
Bonus Tip: Nipping Resource Guarding in the Bud 🦴
One more thing… resource guarding.
It sounds scary, but it’s basically when a dog becomes possessive of something they value, like food or toys.
We want to prevent this from developing, and thankfully, it’s easy to do with puppies…
Early intervention is key to prevent resource guarding…
Here’s what you can do:
- Continue hand-feeding – reinforces that you are the giver of good things.
- Approach their food bowl while they are eating, adding tasty treats to it. This teaches them that your approach is positive, not threatening.
- Practice “trading” – offer them something even better than what they have, to teach them that giving things up is rewarding.
For puppies under six months, these exercises are generally safe and effective…
However, if you suspect resource guarding in an older puppy or adult dog, please seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist…
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! 🐕🦺
Wrapping Up: Your Puppy Training Journey Begins Now! 🚀
So there you have it – the first five things to teach your new puppy!
It might seem like a lot, but remember, training is a journey, not a race…
Enjoy the process, celebrate the small victories, and most importantly, have fun with your new furry family member! 🥳
Find Out More: https://www.youtube.com/@tomdavisofficial
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