Pups are like children, and they need constant supervision and training. Training a puppy need not be an ordeal; all you need to keep in mind are a few simple rules:
Until your pup learns, you need to keep an eye on him at all times. When you cannot, then you must crate him. Create a schedule for the pup. This will help the puppy settle down quickly. The program must include things like hourly bath rooming visits, eating times, rest periods, walks, playtime, training, etc. A pup that has a busy day has no time to be bored and get into mischief.
Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms, then training will become accessible as the pup will obey you at all times and not challenge your authority.
Use only positive training methods. Never shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It is not just cruel but can lead to behavioural problems. The use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so on could hurt the animal.
Teach the pup nothing in life is free, and this is a system that is widely acknowledged as a useful training tool. If you practice this, the pup will learn that to get something like love, a walk, or a treat, and he must behave well.
Teach the meaning of No, from day one. Do not encourage behaviours like jumping, mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise good behaviour and ignore or walk away when there is bad behaviour. The pup will learn that if he misbehaves, he will lose his companion/playmate.
To correct a behaviour, you must catch the pup in the act and startle him by rattling a can of pebbles. Once you have done this, make him correct his behaviour and immediately offer him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier so scolding him after an event is of no use.
Always call/use his name positively. Never say Bad TOM or No Tom, this will confuse you, and the pup will think that if you call his name, it is something terrible. The puppy must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this happens, he will willingly come when you call out his name.
Create a training schedule that is short and sweet, say 10 minutes thrice a day. Long repetitive lessons can be tedious, and the pup will lose interest in learning. Make learning fun and use trick training to teach commands like sit, down, come and so on.
Bond with the pup, and both of you will enjoy your lessons. The pup must look forward to spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Be sure to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most important lessons. The pup must learn to be around other animals, people, sounds, vehicles, and other activities. So, slowly introduce the puppy when he is little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to the mall/ park, introduce him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.
Learn all about crate training, leash walking, housebreaking, as well as food training. These are kindergarten lessons that every pup must master. Knowing about all the quirks and peculiarities of the breed will give you valuable insights on how to train the pup successfully.
As a pet parent, you have many choices. You could choose to train the dog yourself or register at a professional training school. Training a dog has many stages: kindergarten, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, and other aspects like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you choose to train the puppy depends on you as well as the learning abilities of your dog. As you know, different dogs, like humans, have varied talents. Choose well, and both you and your pup will have fun times together.
