A Look at Early Training
A puppy is furry bundle of pure joy and so much fun to have around! It is important however to set a precedent from the start for good behaviour and when you are bonding with your new friend that some measures are put in place to ensure you have a dog that is well trained and a pleasure to be around as they grow.
Our puppies are constantly learning and taking in new information from their environment, our training and how people and other canines relate to them. From around 8 weeks of age puppies can start learning basic cues such as sit and recall alongside learning toilet and crate training. It is vital to be patient to keep a positive relationship and by using methods of positive reinforcement such as treats, toy presentation or praise the framework of training remains encouraging.
It can be helpful to make a start by practicing making eye contact encouraging your puppy to watch you. This will help them follow your training cues when you start to deliver them. Puppies can start socialising with other dogs from around 8 weeks with classes being appropriate from 12-16 weeks.
Toilet Training
Maintaining a consistent schedule is important for toilet training. This will help your puppy feel secure and limit the risks of accidents and associated stress for both parties. Take your puppy out to relive themselves first thing in the morning and last at night as well as after eating and at various junctures throughout the day.
Crate Training
A dog crate provides a safe sanctuary for our puppies offering a cosy den and secure place to sleep. Crates should be introduced gradually; firstly just as a presence in the room and then a positive association built by using food, comfy bedding and toys in the crate. Start by encouraging your puppy to go into the crate with the crate door open. This can then progress to some time spent within the crate with the door gently closed whilst you are in the room. Ultimately this can then be increased to your puppy being left for short periods in the crate at home or in the car with the duration increased cumulatively.
Sit and Recall
Teaching your dog to sit can be done fairly easily with a treat in hand. Approach your puppy and allow them to smell the treat, then raise the treat over head resulting in your puppy naturally sitting in order to raise their heads to follow the treat. Once they are sitting hold the sit for a few moments, then praise them and present the treat. For training recall begin in an enclosed space. If your puppy is wandering around crouch down and call their name with a positive tone. When they come to you offer lots of praise and either a toy presentation or treat. Repeating these skills regularly will help build them into your routine but remember keep training sessions short and sweet!
The aim is for your new puppy to becomes fit, healthy and happy.
Scientific Nutritional Products recommends our canines are fed a balanced and nutritious diet which promotes optimum health. From a young age dogs can benefit from the inclusion of a Joint Supplement in their diet (especially if they are a large breed or a breed known for having Joint problems) in order to protect and prevent against wear and tear and promote long term mobility.
Canine Joint Right from Scientific Nutritional Products includes Glucosamine for Dogs, Chondroitin, HA, MSM & DHA Omega-3 Oils for maximum dog joint mobility. For more information visit the website at www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or contact a member of our team on freephone 0800 032 7774
