Training A Puppy

Planning ahead is one of the first things you need to consider when you start training a puppy, as it will help a great deal in making a puppy’s or adult dog’s transition from his familiar surroundings to the new and strange world you are providing for him. It can be disconcerting for a young pup when his mother and littermates suddenly disappear, and he is thrust into an entirely new environment where there is nothing but unfamiliar people and strange smells.

Even adult dogs are somewhat bewildered by all the changes that seem to be taking place in their lives. An adopted adult dog has no idea of all the wonderful plans you may have in store for him; all he knows is that he is in a strange and somewhat frightening place.

Although it is not always possible, an ideal plan would be to visit your puppy or dog at his current home so that you are not a complete stranger to him when you pick him up. This will mean that when you start training your puppy, he will already be used to you and better able to learn his new skills. If this is not practical, perhaps you will be able to take something from the dog’s former home with you – like a blanket or toy of some kind or anything that will help the dog adjust to his new surroundings and survive the feeling of having nothing familiar in his life.

The best time to bring a new puppy or dog into your home is when you will be available to set aside a block of time to spend with him. A summer vacation is perfect, but only if you can plan on being home for the summer. Don’t bring a new dog home and then pack him off to a boarding kennel while you take a three-week cruise.

If your vacation is not the right time, try to introduce your dog to his new home at the beginning of a long weekend, so you will have at least a couple of days to help the newcomer get over his homesickness blues.

Just as parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby by creating a checklist of things to do and equipment to buy, training a puppy is a very similar process. The new dog owner should be organizing his or her home for the puppy’s arrival.

A sectioned-off area in the kitchen or bathroom is the ideal place to start your puppy off, and will help when you start house training your puppy too as accidents can easily be cleaned up off the tile floors of these rooms. The kitchen is an especially suitable place because there is normally a good deal of traffic and noise, which helps to accustom the newcomer to day-to-day living in your household.

Don’t forget that a young puppy is accustomed to the companionship of his littermates. Without them, he will be lonely and it wilt be up to you to compensate for the absence of his siblings. At the same time, you must not let the puppy do whatever he chooses for the first few days and then suddenly expect him to start following rules that prohibit him from doing exactly those same things. Training a puppy realistically starts the same day that he becomes a member of your family.

Being permissive in this respect is not being kind, because it only confuses the puppy. Much of these techniques for training a puppy apply to the adopted adult dog as well. Young puppies are not the only ones that may suffer from loneliness. All dogs entering a new living arrangement will need discipline, patience, and comfort.