How To Train a Puppy
Here’s my next tip when learning how to train a puppy – take notes. Sounds a little too simple I know, but it can be a big help and is definitely something you need to do if you’re serious about learning how to train a puppy effectively.
When you take notes you need to record what works with your puppy? What doesn’t? Have you really made progress in your training program? What have you tried in the past, and how well did it work?
Training your puppy isn’t just about your dog: it’s also about you. And sometimes the best way to learn how to train your puppy, and become a better trainer is to take notes. That way you have a record you can refer to. You also have a way of checking your progress as a trainer.
Notes may also help you understand your dog’s behavior – and that can sometimes help you improve your puppy training techniques.
Suppose you decide you’d like to learn how to train a puppy to bark less. Begin by recording when your puppy barks. Doing this may help you uncover a pattern. Maybe, for example, you discover your puppy barks more on weekends than on weekdays. You think about it some more and realize that you are more "up" and excited on weekends. There may be more activity around your home as well. If this is the case, your dog may be responding to the extra excitement by barking more.
Learning how to train a puppy is all about finding solutions to problems, and now you can come up with a solution. Perhaps you work on reinforcing calmer behaviors. Maybe you try to be more relaxed yourself. Maybe you work on keeping your dog more low-key when greeting guests.
Taking notes also means that if you ever consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist, you’re not relying entirely on memory. The information you provide is more likely to be factual – which will help you both get to a solution that works.
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