Once you’ve brought your puppy home, it’s time to start training.
Start with yourself
Your puppy needs to see you as the pack leader. This means you have to be strong, stable and consistent. For your new puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!
House rules
Where is your puppy allowed or not allowed? Stick with these rules to avoid confusion.
Housebreaking
In the early days of house training, you want to make sure the puppy has a place to relieve himself/herself where he/she feels safe; a place that seems and smells familiar.
Good manners
Teach your puppy his/her name from the start, and train him/her to come when called. Start teaching the basic voice commands – sit, stay, heel, off, etc.
Go for a walk
Walking in front of your puppy allows you to be seen as the pack leader. If your dog controls you on the walk, he or she is the pack leader. You should be the first one out of the door and the first one in. Your puppy should be beside or behind you during the walk.
Go to school
Find a puppy training or socialisation class near you. It’s very important that your puppy should learn how to behave around other dogs and how to listen to you.
Reward good behaviour
Let your puppy know when you’re pleased with him/her. Don’t rely solely on food treats, sometimes attention works just as well.