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Training Techniques For Puppies

January 2, 2023 by Mary Telesz

To ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-mannered, sociable, and obedient dog, training them is an essential step. However, it can feel quite difficult to train a new puppy at times, particularly if this is your very first. It’s important to be aware of effective puppy training techniques to utilize, the mindset you should have as a dog owner, and the essential advice for raising a happy, healthy, and housebroken dog can help you get the most out of your pup.

Here are some ideas on how to train your new puppy and the dangers to avoid.

Begin Training Early

An American Staffordshire terrier puppy

It is important to start training your puppy as soon as it is eight weeks old. Your puppy will be prepared to comprehend and pick up simple commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay” at this age. As they mature, provide more challenging training and enroll them in puppy classes.

Avoid Training Techniques Centered on Punishment

Dog owners frequently make blunders like trying to coerce their puppies into performing actions they don’t want to do or punishing them when they don’t display desired behaviors. Using reward-based training techniques to train all canines is a key training premise. According to research, reward-based strategies are more productive and less prone to lead to problematic behaviors.

There is less risk of creating problematic behaviors with this method of training because it does not rely on creating anxiety or fear in dogs. Why would we choose any other strategy when it results in higher welfare for dogs, training that they like, and stronger bonds between them and their owners or caregivers?

Going into training with an open mind and a positive outlook will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pet. There’s no such thing as a perfectly behaved puppy, so don’t be ashamed if yours barks or poops on the floor during a training session.

Begin with the Fundamentals

A man giving a command to his pet dog

The foundation of training should be imparting the fundamental skills that owners and dogs need to succeed in daily home life. You should be concentrated on providing full instruction in the fundamentals so that you can move through life with your new best buddies.

When you have a puppy, it’s crucial to focus on developing that incredible bond with your pet. One of the first skills dog owners can educate their dog to help them adjust to life at home is house-training. All dogs can be trained to relieve themselves outside, but few will do so naturally. Instead, they require us to model appropriate behavior for them and help them develop healthy habits.

Be Persistent and Patient

Every dog is different and will learn things at their own rate, so it’s vital to be patient and to not expect too much too fast. It takes several months for a puppy to become properly housetrained, which is quite normal. All puppies need diligent and constant housetraining.

Make sure to avoid teaching your dog while they are hungry or tired since they may become irritated and not enjoy training. Start your dog’s training in a setting that is calm and free from distractions, then progress to busier areas as your dog gains more self-assurance.

Teach Your Dog Relaxation Techniques

It’s crucial for dogs to learn how to unwind, lie down, and enjoy alone time. When you’re busy at home with guests, preparing dinner, tidying up the house, or out and about with friends at a bar or café, it’s especially crucial for your dog to know how to behave on their own. It’s ideal to start practicing somewhere quiet because distractions, a busy environment, or incentives for attention make it difficult for your dog to learn to be calm.

Tips for Fearful or Hesitant Puppies

A puppy is hiding his face in the arm of his owner

When around other dogs or people, some dogs can be timid or anxious. Here is some advice to help your dog get over their worries and realize that the world isn’t so scary:

  • Speak to your dog in a calm manner to make them feel more at ease.
  • Avoid forcing your dog to view or engage in activities they express anxiety for so they don’t feel worse.
  • Attempt to make all of their interactions with unknowable things positive.
  • If your dog is wary of new people, kindly request that they avoid approaching or petting your pet.

Contact an Expert for Guidance

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the best training techniques for new puppies, you are not alone. The good news is that our friendly and helpful staff at Paw Pals Pet Sitting are here to support you! We are happy to guide you in training your new furry friend the right way to ensure the love and success you both deserve in your newfound friendship. If you have any questions or concerns regarding pet sitting or training tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional staff today!

Filed Under: Pet Training

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 20151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

Google Rating
4.9
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
Michæl Silva
Michæl Silva
21:38 01 Jul 22
Mary at Paw Pals Pet Sitting is the greatest! She has helped me train my pooch Chico how play nice with other dogs and for that I am extremely grateful! A+A+A+A+A+A
Kwi Kim
Kwi Kim
22:37 17 Jun 22
I hired Paw Pals based on my sister’s referral. Meet & greet was very thorough and detailed. I was surprised that my finicky cat came to check the sitter out. Subsequently, a sitter watched my cat over several separate visits, and it was clear through the visit reports that my cat loved the sitter. All the visits were completed having followed my directions & with professionalism.I would highly recommend Paw Pals to anyone who’s looking for a dependable, personable, & professional sitter.
Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter
19:55 13 Jun 22
Paw Pals provided a large number of photos of our pets along with a personalized message on how our pets were doing with every single visit. I would highly recommend using Paw Pals, we'll be continuing to use them whenever we go on vacation.
Ashley Manning
Ashley Manning
09:50 11 Jun 22
Highly recommend as pet sitters!Initially, a sitter from the company will visit the house to meet the pets and learn where everything is. Tatiana took careful notes and we got her some spare keys.While we are away, Paw Pals sends sitters to come and look after our boys. They feed them, scoop litter, bring in mail and packages, and they will even manage trash, recycling, blinds and lights so that everything is comfortable for our kitties. Each time they check in, we receive an email message with updates and pictures, which is so comforting when we are on the road.Also, if you don’t let Paw Pals know when you are home, they assume something has happened and will continue to care for your babies. If something were to happen, I know they would be okay.Five stars for Paw Pals!
Brian Wood
Brian Wood
04:08 22 May 22
We have used Paw Pals for a number of years now and would highly recommend to anyone looking for help with their pets. Great communication from owner Mary and flexibility to make adjustments in schedule as life changes over time. Have had a consistent set of walkers who have gotten to know our pup and the various walking routes around our neighborhood quite well.
Lesley Bush
Lesley Bush
13:58 18 Mar 22
We can't rave enough about Paw Pals. They took care of our 18 year old Cat and 20 year old Chinchilla while we were away and when our flight got cancelled, they were so accommodating and available last minute for an extra day. We worked with Jen to coordinate visits from Miko and Danny. I loved the pictures and updates on how our Lil geriatric guys were doing. Thanks a million, Paw Pals!! Our special pets were so well cared for.
Sebastian Barnes
Sebastian Barnes
01:06 17 Jan 22
I have used Paw Pals for several trips over the last few months, and they have been phenomenal every time! Mary is extremely kind and responsive, and she makes sure that my cat and dog have the care that they need every time I am out of town. All of the pet sitters that I've had have been incredibly sweet to my pets, and they treat them like their own! Will gladly continue using Paw Pals every time I need a sitter.
Julie Shildt
Julie Shildt
17:45 14 Nov 21
It has been a pleasure doing business with paw pals. We have used this company for several trips we have taken over the past 6 months. They have been wonderful caretakers for our 2 cats. Anytime there is ever a question they don't hesitate to give us a call and they leave the best notes and pictures in the emailed report of each visit. We are so glad have found such a great company.
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Katie McCune
Katie McCune
19:19 15 Jul 21
I honestly cannot recommend Mary and her whole crew enough! We started using Mary originally about 7 years ago to stop by occasionally when our Aussie Lana was younger. Over the next couple years Lana stayed with Mary and her family for a couple weekends when we went on vacation. When we moved to our new house in Manassas, Lana stayed with Sam, who lives in Manassas, overnight for moving day, and did great. Right before the pandemic, we adopted our second Aussie, Goose, and Mary recommended a fantastic trainer for him.We now have weekly walks for the dogs, and they love all of their walkers! Trevor, Paul, Hazel, Sofie, and probably a couple others have helped Goose get used to more people, and have helped my husband and me when our schedules are crazy.Paw Pals is our go-to for any help with our dogs, so I highly recommend them!
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra Hill
22:43 23 May 21
I was a nervous mommy to leave my cats with a sitter service for the first time. Paw Pals went above and beyond to care for my cats and ease a nervous mommy. I already made a reservation to use them again!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
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