5 Pre-Training Tips To Get You On The Right Track

When adding a new-found pup to your home, it is very important to be prepared for the challenges that new pup may bring. This also means being prepared to train the puppy and take care of it for years to come. So, what are some things to prepare for before one begins training? Here are some things to consider before adding a new pup into your life and before commencing the training sessions:

• Pick a dog that matches your lifestyle. While some dogs are very high energy, some dogs of the same breed may be very relaxed and require little in comparison when it comes to exercise. Some breeds are more well-known to do well in apartments/condos, but some require much more exercise on a daily basis, and the energy level differs from dog to dog. Do your research on what breed of dog would be more likely to fit your life, and then ask the person you are getting the dog from, which out of the litter seems to have the qualities you are looking for.

• Plan on devoting at least 10-15 minutes every day to training and 30-45 minutes of exercise. Dogs do need lots of attention, especially as puppies. In this attention, dogs should be exposed to training sessions and lots of exercise. Giving your dog exercise will not only keep them healthier and let you bond with your dog, but it will also deplete their energy level, making them easier to manage during training, as well as better behaved while in the house.

• Pick a name that is practical. The experts say that a dog’s name should end in a vowel because it is easier for them to understand. The dog’s name should also be short and simple. At the most, your dog’s name should be three syllables long, such as Havana. An example of a bad dog’s name would be Wolfeschlegelstein. A dog will have a hard time understanding such a long name, and when calling your dog, a name like this would be too long. If you are calling your dog from danger, it might be too late by the time you get his/her full name out.

• Share your training rules with the rest of the family. Before even getting started on training, sit down with the rest of the family, and let them know exactly what you wish for the dog to learn, and how that will be achieved. Explain to them that the entire family must be consistent. One person can’t train the dog to not jump, and another encourage it. It will confuse the dog, and you will get nowhere with training.

• Have plenty of snacks and toys on hand. Before you get started, buy some healthy snacks. Avoid snacks that are manufactured outside of the U.S., as many contaminants can come in contact with dog treats the longer they are in storage/transportation. Buy a good variety of snacks and learn which is easiest to use for training and which your dog likes the most. Toys are also great training tools.

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