Training a new puppy requires time, patience and commitment. During the initial stages of training, pups do best when kept on a schedule, which requires you to alter your daily timetable to be effective. If you don't have an appropriate amount of time to dedicate to training your pup, you could end up with a dog that has long-term behavioral problems, which can make for an uncomfortable living environment for both you and your pet.
Housebreaking
Young pups have a hard time controlling their bladders and bowels. They must be taken outside to eliminate immediately after eating or drinking, after waking and after chewing for a long period of time. This requires you to manage your time to create a feeding and sleeping schedule that can be followed by outside time. For best results, factor in time to play with your puppy outside as a reward after he successfully eliminates. Also build in enough time to bring your puppy back inside if he fails to eliminate, wait a few minutes, and try again until he's successful.
Obedience Training
Two keys to successful obedience training are patience and repetition. Both require a dedication of time to have a positive outcome. You should manage your schedule so you can set aside time every day to work on obedience training, issuing commands such as sit, stay and lie down. Alternatively, you may opt to schedule time for obedience training classes, which requires a commitment of time to attend all classes as scheduled.
Socialization
New puppies require socialization skills to become comfortable around a wide range of people, animals and environments. Taking time to socialize your dog means creating opportunities to introduce your pup to new situations. For example, schedule a trip to a dog park twice a week or make an effort to take your pooch with you on brief outings, even if it means building in a little extra time to get your tasks accomplished. Taking the time to do this will result in a confident, well behaved pup.
Consistency
Providing a consistent environment for your new puppy requires setting aside time to develop a household schedule. This may mean arranging for someone to take care of your pup during the day if you’re at work, getting up early to spend quality time with your puppy before heading out to the office or delaying or minimizing social activities so you can provide one-on-one attention and bond with your pup. Making time for your puppy in his formative stages will lay the groundwork for a good relationship and a happy dog.
References
Writer Bio
Lisa McQuerrey has been a business writer since 1987. In 1994, she launched a full-service marketing and communications firm. McQuerrey's work has garnered awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Associated Press. She is also the author of several nonfiction trade publications, and, in 2012, had her first young-adult novel published by Glass Page Books.