Congratulations! You've just adopted your first puppy.
Though you may have seen the sign reading "Puppies For Sale" in the pet store window for years, you've finally made the leap to adopt a loving family pet.
Although owning a dog is a greatly rewarding experience, they're also hard work.
When it comes to training your new puppy, it's never too soon to start.
Get going right away with training with these four basic principles.
Dominance It's important to establish that you're the owner and the rule-maker of the family (or dog pack) right away.
Dogs look to their owners and peers for a ranking.
If they feel that their position within a hierarchy is ill defined, they might attempt to become the "alpha" and defy your position as pack leader.
Therefore, it's crucial to establish your dominance immediately.
Dogs and puppies that have ill-defined boundaries will misbehave.
A misbehaving dog will have you wishing you never saw the words "Puppies For Sale.
" House Training Just as every toddler needs to learn how to use the toilet, all dogs must learn that it is unacceptable to go to the bathroom indoors.
This can be a tricky process and requires extreme patience.
Dogs respond more to positive reinforcement over negative punishment.
Screaming and yelling at a puppy after he's made an accident won't do any good.
In fact, they don't understand or feel guilt for the accident they've made.
Take your puppy out multiple times a day and reward them greatly when they choose to go to the bathroom in the grass.
Walking Walking is another way to assert your dominance as pack leader.
By making sure your dog respects your leadership on daily walks, you'll further engrain the notion that you are the one they need to listen to.
Your puppy should never be ahead of you on your walks, since it's an attempt to be dominant.
Make your puppy wait for the walk after putting on the leash if they become too excited, and stop and make them sit when they start to pull.
Visiting the Vet Though this technically isn't a training tip, it's an extremely important step after you've adopted a puppy.
Each dog needs to be completely up-to-date on all shots and vaccinations.
Dogs can contract lots of diseases and infections through everyday life or bites from other dogs.
Since this is a matter of public safety, it's imperative that you fully update your puppy's shots as soon as possible.
Consider this a training tip for yourself.
By staying strict with your puppy, you'll mold a loyal and well respecting family pet.
Utilizing the right tools and sticking to your training guns will result in a happy household and an obedient dog.
And perhaps next time you see "Puppies For Sale" in the paper or window, you won't hesitate to take a look.