Training a 2-month-old puppy sets the foundation for a dog's behavior. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Complete Dog Care Manual, an 8-week-old puppy can begin learning basic commands, social behavior and housetraining. Working with a young puppy requires patience and repetition because of the puppy's mental and physical development. A combination of crate training, socialization and basic dog command exercises can help a 2-month-old puppy learn training concepts.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Collar
- Leash
- Treats
Instructions
Select a crate for the puppy that provides enough room for it to stand up and turn around with ease. Allow the puppy to sleep in the crate at night and stay in the crate when home alone to assist housetraining, because a dog generally will not eliminate in its own bed.
Introduce a collar and a leash. Have the puppy wear the collar around the house to get it used to the sensation. Fasten the leash and alternate walking the puppy and letting the leash trail loose behind the puppy to help it accept the feeling of the collar and leash.
Speak basic dog commands in a firm tone of voice to get the puppy's attention during training sessions. Don't shout; this could frighten the puppy. Use an authoritative tone of voice that differs from your normal speech tone so the puppy recognizes commands.
Repeat the puppy's name frequently throughout all activities to make sure that the puppy knows its name. Once a 2-month-old puppy knows its name, begin each training session by saying the puppy's name to gain its attention, then give the command.
Teach the Sit command first because many other basic dog commands begin with an order to sit. Dog trainer and author Dr. Bruce Fogle recommends teaching a puppy the Sit command at dinner. Before presenting the dog's dinner, hold the bowl in front of the dog and place the dog in a sitting position by gently pushing its bottom to the floor. When the puppy is in position, say the word "Sit" to teach the command.
Show a puppy how to lie down when teaching the command Down. Tell the puppy to sit and then say, "Down," while gently easing the puppy to the ground. Teaching this command during puppy training will help establish that you are in charge because of the submissive nature of the down position.
Use a collar and leash for more advanced obedience training. The leash will allow you to easily control your puppy's movements and hold its attention. Use the leash to teach the puppy to walk in Heel position and not strain on the leash. Hold the leash handle in one hand and the middle of the leash in the other hand to keep the puppy at your side during walking.
Command the puppy to lie down and stay with the leash. Tell the puppy, "Down" and then walk the length of a 6-foot leash in front of the puppy while saying the word, "Stay." Require the puppy to stay in the position for brief periods of time, gradually increasing to one to two minutes.
Reprimand bad behavior with a simple but firm, "No." The puppy can better understand a single word command than a long sentence.
Praise the puppy frequently during training for positive reinforcement. Every time the puppy gives a correct response to a command, praise her with words and by petting her. Provide only one treat at the end of a training session to prevent overfeeding the puppy.