How To Get Your Puppy To Listen to You
Bringing home a new puppy is a whirlwind of excitement! But amidst the adorable chaos, you might find yourself a little frustrated – your precious pup just doesn't seem to be listening…
Fear not, fellow puppy parent! While those tiny ears might seem selectively deaf at times, rest assured that with a little patience and the right approach, you can train your furry friend to become a well-mannered canine companion. Here are some key strategies to help you get started:
Understand your body language
A puppy’s first language is body language. Before you even utter a word, your body language sends them messages. Make sure you stand straight, shoulders back, and be a strong, confident, assertive leader for them to follow.
Use the right tone
The tone of your voice is just as important as the words themselves. You want your voice to be firm, authoritative, and encouraging. Puppies will follow your confidence. Avoid yelling or using a harsh tone, as this can confuse or frighten your puppy. Avoid baby talk or squeaky tones, as this will get them excited.
Keep it short & simple
Every command word you choose should be short and simple. You should also always be consistent- meaning you use the same command word every time. Your puppy will lose focus if you talk to them in sentences, or repeat the command over and over. You may also want to avoid adding too many commands at once, take it one step at a time, and break up training sessions into shorter ones.
Build a training routine
Training takes time and dedication. Aim for short, frequent training sessions (5-10 minutes) throughout the day, rather than one long, overwhelming session. Consistency is key. Train with them every day!
Remember, patience is crucial when training a puppy. There will be setbacks, but celebrate the small wins and focus on positive reinforcement. With these tips and consistent effort, you'll be amazed at how quickly your furry friend learns and responds to your commands.
Bonus Tip: Consider enrolling in a puppy obedience class. This can provide valuable socialization for your puppy while giving you professional guidance and support in your training journey. Jackie & Joe’s Pet Care offers puppy obedience classes. Please visit our webpage here for more information and to sign up!
Now go forth and conquer puppy training! You've got this!
