Training a puppy is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a lot of love. Before we got Ernest, someone recommended the book Perfect Puppy in 7 Days — a text which promises to guide you through training your dog to perfection in (you guessed it) just 7 days. We pored over the book and committed to training our rambunctious young Basenji.
While the idea of achieving perfection in just a week is ambitious (and to be clear, we failed miserably), the foundation you lay during the initial days can set the stage for a lifetime of good behavior. Here are ten tips that can help you start strong and continue to build a positive relationship with your puppy, whether the training takes 7 days or spans across years.
Begin with essential commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "leave it." These basics are not only crucial for safety but also help establish a communication channel between you and your puppy. Don't expect mastery overnight. The goal is gradual improvement.
Use treats, praise, and play as rewards for good behavior. Positive reinforcement encourages your puppy to repeat the actions that earn them rewards. This method is more effective and builds a stronger bond between you two than negative reinforcement techniques.
Be consistent with your commands, and make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. If "down" means "lie down" to you, it shouldn't mean "get off the couch" to someone else. Consistency helps prevent confusion and speeds up the learning process.
Understand that training is a process. There will be good days and bad days. Showing frustration or anger can set back your puppy's progress and harm your relationship. Take a deep breath, and remember that patience is key to success.
Puppies have short attention spans. Keep training sessions brief but frequent. Several 5-10 minute sessions spread throughout the day are more effective than one long session.
Socialization is about exposing your puppy to different people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive way. Proper socialization can prevent behavioral issues later in life and ensure your puppy grows into a well-adjusted dog.
Dogs thrive on routine. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training sessions. A routine makes the world more predictable for your puppy and helps with house training.
Teach your puppy the house rules from day one. If you don’t want them on the furniture or entering certain rooms, be clear about these boundaries early on. Consistent enforcement helps your puppy learn faster.
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, but it’s crucial to teach them that biting and nipping humans is not acceptable. Redirect this behavior by offering them a toy instead and praise them when they switch to chewing the toy.
Remember to have fun and enjoy the journey of raising your puppy. The bond you’re building is for a lifetime. Training is not just about commands and rules; it’s about establishing a deep, understanding relationship with your furry friend.
Training the "perfect" puppy is a misnomer. Each puppy is unique, and perfection lies in the imperfections that make your dog special to you. Whether it takes 7 days to see progress or years to polish their behavior, the joy comes from growing together, learning from each other, and forming an unbreakable bond. Embrace every step of the training process, and celebrate the small victories along the way.
