Puppy Training Methods

Properly training a new puppy is a task that requires a great deal of focus and repetition, but yields great rewards in the end. The difference between a well-trained puppy and a poorly trained puppy can easily be the difference between years of loving interaction and years of frustration. There is not one technique that is guaranteed to work for every puppy, but it is important to know your options and see which one your puppy responds to most effectively. Using verbal commands is one of the most popular ways to train a puppy. The constant repetition of commands such as "sit"or "come" is integral parts of training your puppy. When your puppy hears these sounds, they start to associate them with desired behaviors, which is the entire goal of training a puppy. The key to making this repetition worthwhile is with the use of positive reinforcement tools such as a treat, praise or a pat on the head when your puppy has performed correctly. This will teach your young dog what actions are associated with your commands and the rewards that come for doing these actions. Your puppy loves your affection, not to mention loves getting a treat, so the effectiveness of these strategies lies in your puppy's desire for both of these things.

The uses of a whistle or clicker are increasingly popular methods of puppy training. Whistles are especially effective for training dogs because of the dog's acute sense of hearing that allows for the sound to reach their ears at a much greater distance. Through the use of positive reinforcement and specific whistle blowing techniques, dogs can learn the appropriate time to sit, come or change direction. The same can be said for the use of a clicker. To accompany both verbal and hand commands, a clicker can add another audible form of training for your dog to adhere to. A clicker can be used as a way of telling your dog that they have done the right action. When you give the command to sit and your puppy correctly follows, use the clicker as if it was a sound on a game show that symbolizes "you are correct!" Accompany this click with a treat and it becomes a very effective way to train your puppy.