Bringing your new puppy home is an exciting time for all involved. The first few months of life for a puppy are key to shaping their brain and future. This vital window begins to close at 16 weeks old, so it is essential we start teaching them from the very beginning.
We recommend reward-based training as puppies respond well to this method and avoids using harsh techniques.
It is incredibly rewarding training your puppy, but it can quickly become overwhelming especially when searching for advice, it can often lead to being incorrectly informed.
Here are some simple tips and advice we believe will help your puppy succeed in the big, wide world!
Blythman and Partners recommend every puppy enrols onto a training course provided by a recognised dog trainer/ behaviourist.
Please ask for more information.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is an easy/ quick and effective method of training.
It is designed to make a distinctive ‘click’ sound which is taught to have positive meaning to your puppy. A click is more effective than your voice as it is consistent and clear. Your mood/ tone of voice can be inconsistent for training.
After repeat training, your puppy will learn that the ‘click’ sound means they have done the desired action you want and will be rewarded.
To start clicker training you must first ‘charge up’ the clicker so it becomes the secondary reinforcer. To do this you should start by using the clicker and immediately feeding a treat, repeat this 10x and frequently over a couple of days. Once your puppy is showing a response to the sound it can then be used in training, for example when using your dog’s name = click, and reward when they respond.
Please note there are many ways to train your puppy. If you are ever in doubt or have specific issues, please seek professional advice.
Useful links:
Finding a certified clinical animal behaviourist:
www.abtc.org.uk/
Dog training classes near you:
www.apdt.co.uk
Training advice useful videos:
www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice
Analysing dog food:
www.allaboutdogfood.com
