How to Train a Male Puppy

Find a treat that your dog loves.

If you adopted your puppy from a rescue center, you may have visited him several times, and know which treats he loves. If you bought him from a breeder, talk to them about what he likes. Or purchase several different types, and see which he prefers. Keep his favorite type of treat to use for positive reinforcement, as this is the most successful way of teaching a puppy.

Purchase a crate for your dog.

Crate training gives your puppy a place where he will feel safe and secure. It gives him space away from humans when he doesn't want to play, and will prevent him from damaging your property by chewing or digging while you are out. Decide whether you wish to purchase an adult crate, which will last him forever, or purchase a smaller puppy crate and upgrade later. Some dogs find smaller spaces more secure and comforting when they are small. The crate should be at least twice the size of your dog, or twice the size of his expected adult size.

Fill the crate with items that are his.

This should include a blanket or crate mattress, providing him with something soft to sleep on. You may also want to give him pillows or teddies. Avoid giving him toys, as they may become boring as he becomes more familiar with them.

Allow your puppy to meet the crate.

This is important, so he learns to feels at home in the crate. Start by encouraging him in, and giving him plenty of praise for going inside. Leave the door open at all times at this point. Then hide treats around the crate, and praise him when he finds them. Close the door, and feed puppy treats through the door. Then let him out to play. Wait until he revisits the crate himself, and close the door. Make sure he can see you, but do not pay him any attention, including looking at him. Let him out, and wait for him to return again. Do the same. When he is happy to be inside the crate, try shutting the door and leaving the room. Practice this a few times, leaving him in the crate longer each time.

Teach your dog where you wish him to toilet.

If your dog is already trained to use puppy pads, using one can make this process much easier. Choose an area you would like your dog to toilet, and place a puppy pad there, if applicable. Put your dog on his leash, and walk him to the area. Use a command, such as "Do you need the toilet?" Your dog will link this with going to the toilet. If he does not use the toilet, put him back in his crate and repeat every hour. When your puppy does toilet in the right place, give him a special treat as a reward, and lots of attention and fuss. Don't scold him if he toilets in the wrong place. Once he toilets in the right place, allow him some free time in the garden to explore. Set an alarm to wake you two or three times in the night, so you can take your puppy out. Simply put him on his leash, walk outside to the spot, say the command and wait.

Make obedience lessons short.

Think of commands you want your dog to do, and teach these. For example, you may want to teach him to sit down. Tell him to "Sit" clearly, and wait. If he does sit, give him praise and a treat. If he doesn't, try applying very light pressure in front of his tail. This may cause him to sit down. If it does, say "Sit" again, and give him a treat. Some commands may take longer to learn, but by making the lessons short and fun, he is more likely to learn. Once he knows to listen to you, you will find it much easier to stop unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking.

Correct misbehavior by saying "No," and stop playing with the puppy.

If you do not see your dog misbehave, don't scold him for it later. Never beat your dog, or lock him in his crate. Instead, express your displeasure in a familiar command, and withdraw your attention. If your dog is mouthing you, provide an alternative, such as a chewy toy. If your dog tries to jump up on you, turn your body away, and say "No." If he does jump up, put him back on the floor, and do not give him any attention. When your dog calms down, give him some attention and praise.

Be consistent with your training.

Make sure everyone in the house responds the same, and your puppy will learn much faster. Never encourage your dog to do an action you have previously scolded him for, as this will confuse him. For example, do not allow him on the furniture sometimes, but not others. He will not understand this. Your dog needs to know what is allowed and what is not. Keep it simple.

Provide plenty of exercise and socialization.

This can be achieved by going to fitness classes, such as flyball, or socialization classes. Many vets run puppy parties, which allow puppies of a similar age to meet. Take your dog on regular long walks. Puppies who are well exercised are much less likely to develop problem habits then bored dogs.

Provide toys when you go out.

Toys such as Kongs, which release food as your dog chews them, will keep him happy in his crate, and prevent him from becoming bored or upset.