5 Dog Training Tips for 2016 Puppy Owners


Bringing your new puppy home has to be one of life’s more exciting moments. But with that cute puppy comes responsibility, one that involves training your puppy so that he can be the beloved family member you want him to be. Read on to learn the top 5 tips for training your new puppy.

Set up a daily routine 

The first few days with your new puppy are exciting, introducing him to his new home and family members. It’s important to start with a daily routine right away so that your puppy is better able to adapt to his new home.

  • Before your puppy comes home, decide on some house rules. Will he be able to sit on the furniture? Where will he sleep? Eat? What parts of the house are off limits to him?

  • If you decide on the rules early, you can avoid confusion for both you and your puppy.

  • The first day that you bring your puppy home, teach him where his food and water dishes are located, where his bed is and where his toys are kept. 

Reward good behavior

Reward your puppy’s good behavior with positive reinforcement.  Use treats, toys, love or heaps of praise. By rewarding him, you are letting him know that what he is doing is right, which will then lead to a continuation of the behavior.  The reward should be immediate so that he knows he has done something good.

Discourage him from chewing on your things

Fifth and Fido’s grain free dog treats are the perfect reward for your new puppy. They are all-natural and grain free treats made in the USA with a mouthwatering flavor that your puppy will love.

Puppies chew for all kinds of reasons - it’s soothing, it lets out some energy and it can be entertaining for them. However, there are steps you can take to discourage him from biting and chewing on your things.

  • A great training tool to have on hand is the bitter apple spray from Fifth and Fido. Their bitter apple spray is an all-natural training aid that is safe for both you and your puppy. It won’t damage fabrics, furniture, shoes or clothes.

  • Spray a little bit of the apple formula on your puppy’s most common chewing spots - the arm of your sofa, the leg of the coffee table, and your favorite pair of shoes.

  • Guide your dog over to his favorite chewing spot and watch his reaction as he tastes the bitter apple.

  • Your puppy may also be chewing because he’s bored. Try taking him out for several short walks throughout the day or giving him a good chew toy.

Housebreaking your puppy

Start your puppy on a housebreaking schedule as soon as he is home. In the early days of housebreaking you want to make sure your puppy has a safe place to relieve himself.

  • First thing every morning, bring your puppy outside to the same general area. It is important to be consistent so your puppy can learn his new habit.

  • In the beginning, you’ll need to take him out once every 30 minutes to an hour, and always after a meal or when he wakes up from a nap.

  • When your puppy does successfully eliminate outside, make sure you reward the behavior by giving him a healthy treat.

It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully house-trained, so patience is key.

Don’t worry if your puppy has an accident, it will happen. Just make sure that you have a good pet odor eliminator on hand.

 

Fifth and Fido’s pet stain and odor remover is formulated to eat away at odor-causing bacteria caused by urine.  Using a pet urine smell remover will ensure that your puppy does not try to eliminate in the same spot in your home.

    Take good care of your puppy

    Taking care of your puppy is not just about training; it is about proper grooming and hygiene too.

    • Start dental care when your puppy is young so he gets used to having his teeth brushed.

    • The most efficient way to clean your puppy’s teeth is to use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs.

    • Aim for at least 2-3 times a week.

    • In addition to dental care, all puppies need proper claw care.

    • If you can hear the noise of the claws on the floor when your puppy walks, then it is time to clip them.

    • Fifth and Fido has their own stainless steel dog nail clippers. They have a unique safety guard to ensure a quick, painless and easy trimming experience, making it equally good for you and your puppy.

    Just remember - consistency is key. Make sure you are consistent in everything you do so that your puppy doesn’t get confused. While training might seem tough and like a lot of work, keep in mind that you are ultimately working towards building a strong, everlasting bond with your new best friend.