Dos & Don'ts for Training a Puppy

Training a puppy can be one of the most rewarding or one of the most frustrating experiences in your life. Which one you consider it to be can change from one day to the next -- and possibly from one hour to the next. Keeping a few broad principles in mind can help ensure you have a lot more rewarding days than frustrating ones with your puppy.

  1. Pay Close Attention While Potty Training

    • Teaching your puppy where he is and is not allowed to use the bathroom can become one of the most irritating aspects of dog ownership if handled improperly. However, it does not necessarily have to be difficult. If you wait for your puppy to have an accident, it will be too late to do anything about it. Instead, pay close attention to the puppy and take him outside to relieve himself shortly after eating or drinking or whenever he seems restless. When he relieves himself in the proper location, praise him effusively. He will soon make the connection.

    Don't Use Multiple Commands

    • Using a variety of phrases to praise or scold a particular behavior will only confuse your puppy, according to DogTime. For example, instead of saying "stop," "don't" or "cut it out," simply say "no." For each behavior, select a single command word or phrase with which to associate it, and use that word or phrase consistently.

    Provide Positive Reinforcement Immediately After Good Behavior

    • Whether your puppy comes when called or sits when told to, you must reward his good behavior immediately. A delay will often prevent your dog from making the association between the behavior and the reward, whether it is praise, a treat or a combination of the two. Your goal is to help your dog understand as quickly as possible which behaviors you want from him.

    Don't Lose Your Temper

    • It can be easy to become aggravated in situations where you dog seems to be deliberately misbehaving, but you should be careful not to lose your temper, according to Canine Crib. Instead, use a firm, calm "no" when your puppy disobeys. Yelling at or hitting your puppy will not teach him good behavior. This type of behavior may encourage your puppy to become fearful and potentially dangerous.