Basic Training for Your New Puppy: Mastering Sit, Come, Stay, and More!
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding journey. It’s also a critical time to lay the foundation for your pup’s behavior in the future. This blog covers fundamental commands such as “sit,” “come,” and “stay” and addresses the most commonly asked questions by new puppy owners.
The Basics of Puppy Training
Training should begin the moment your puppy sets a paw into your home. However, remember that puppies are essentially babies. Be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep training sessions short and fun.
1. Command: Sit
The “sit” command is one of the most straightforward and practical.
- Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
- Slowly move your hand up, allowing the puppy’s head to follow the treat and causing its bottom to lower.
- Once they’re sitting, say “sit,” give them the treat, and share affection.
1. Command: Come
This command could be a lifesaver, helping to bring your puppy back to you should it ever slip out of its leash.
- Put a leash and collar on your puppy.
- Bend their level and say “Come” while gently pulling on the leash.
- When they get to you, reward them with affection and a treat.
- Eventually, you can practice this command without the leash in a safe, enclosed area.
1. Command: Stay
This command is crucial for their safety and obedience but may be challenging for excitable puppies.
- Start this command only after your puppy has mastered the “sit” command.
- Open the palm of your hand in front of you and say, “Stay.”
- Take a few steps back. If they stay, give them a treat.
- Gradually increase the number of steps you take before giving the treat.
Common Questions from New Puppy Owners
1. When should I start training my puppy?
Training should start when your puppy arrives, typically around eight weeks old.
2. How long should training sessions be?
Keep training sessions short—about five minutes each, and conduct them several times daily.
3. Should I use treats for training?
Yes, treats are excellent motivators for puppies. However, subtract the treat calories from their diet to avoid overfeeding.
4. My puppy isn’t responding to commands. What am I doing wrong?
Not all puppies learn at the same rate. Be patient, consistent, and try to make training fun. If you’re still struggling, consider a puppy training class or hiring a professional trainer.
Training your new puppy may feel daunting, but it can also be a wonderful bonding experience. Through patience, consistency, and positivity, your puppy will soon impress everyone with their obedience.