We all know that house training is very important. Not only it is about teaching your pet to not do his business all over the house but also how to be a well-behaved housemate with boundaries, here are some tips to help you ace your house training with your new best friend!
1. Positive reinforcement
Who doesn’t love receiving compliments every now and then? You’re definitely not alone and dogs totally want in on this.
So, praise your furkid like there’s no tomorrow. We’re not kidding – it’s one of the best ways for them to train efficiently. Whether it’s rewarding them with delicious doggy treats from an online pet store or petting him, his wagging tail and beaming smile will make you feel on top of the world.
It’s all about being creative and it doesn’t mean that you always have to be the one to do the rewarding. Even a pampering session at mobile pet grooming services counts as a treat! Just take some time to know your furkid better and you’ll know the way to their heart.
2. Correcting bad behaviour
Punishment doesn’t always refer to physical actions – it can be as simple as ignoring your dog’s bad behaviour. Moreover, negative punishment like shock collars will only instil fear in your pet, which can lead to aggression and shyness.
Instead of using harmful methods which may cause the opposite effect intended, think from their perspective. Sometimes, they’re just having a hard time differentiating what’s the right and wrong decision. Try giving them a cue or sign about their mistake first.
But if they’re doing it intentionally, remove your attention. Dogs love attention and when they don’t get it, they start to behave. We know it may get a little upsetting to see your furkid pouting on his own, but trust us when we say that the results are rewarding!
3. Training with crates
Watching your beloved furkid confined in a crate can give you a heartache but it’s for a good reason. Crates are excellent for getting your dog accustomed to many different reasons – including travelling, vet visits, safety, and convalescence.
Now, how do you begin this part of the training? Throw in a comfortable blanket or towel into the crate, feed your furkid meals in it and condition your dog to the crate for longer time intervals.
However, if they start whining or distancing themselves too often, let them come out and play. After a certain period, you should know how to balance the time between crate confinement and playtime!
4. Potty training
If you could get furkids to do their business like how their parents usually do, it would be a complete blessing. Unfortunately, it is not the case and we have to face reality. Dogs, especially new puppies, are not familiar with having a ‘potty spot’, and no pet owner is fond of the consequences of house soiling.
Put aside some newspapers or set up a crate – that will be their ‘potty spot. Repetition is key when training your pup. For starters, you could whip up something creative like ‘Loo Time’, if it’s outside, ‘Outsies’ would be more appropriate. Just keep doing it and they’ll know where to do their business.
5. Teach him to ‘stay’
Teaching your dog patience will make him a well-mannered pup – instead of letting him rush to his food bowl while he knocks everything over, train him to ‘stay’ or ‘wait’ before he indulges. The best way we’ve seen over the years? Delicious treats and caring hand gestures.
The command ‘stay’ will come in handy whenever you take him on a stroll to the park or when he needs to stay in a pet boarding facility. Even when they’re too excited about playing outside and starting to run off, it’s a good time to pull out this command.
Whether it’s an adorable little pup or senior dog, house training will always be important if you want your furkid to be at their best behaviour. And it’s not just for manner’s sake, but to train them to be as independent as they can. Start your house training with these tips and your beloved pet will be well-trained in no time!
