An important element in dog training that most people do not know about. When you give a command such as “sit,” “down,” or “stay,” your dog should obey that command. You can start dog training as soon as your dog comes home to you, which is usually around 8 to 12 weeks old for puppies.
- Still, it’s smart to start the potty-training process as soon as your puppy comes home, or around 8 weeks of age, even if only to prevent accidents.
- Teaching your dog to be quiet on command is essential for any well-behaved pup.
- With the right exercises, you will not only teach him obedience and various tricks.
- This will prevent confusion or mixed signals for your puppy, which could lead to inconsistent behavior.
- Clicker training, vocal praise, or a loving scratch on the neck are some of the ways you can reward your dog without the use of food.
There are so many good reasons to teach your puppy to go to the bathroom outside, but that is not always the most practical option. Particularly during the first few months with a young puppy, the constant trips outside during potty training may be too much of a challenge. Elderly or mobility-challenged owners may find frequent walks too difficult.
Put Your pup on a Leash for Toilet Breaks
You don’t want your pup running ahead of you while you’re out for walks. So when they do run ahead of you or pull, simply stop, tighten the leash, and wait. Any positive experience that familiarizes your pup with friends, other dogs and public spaces is a good thing. We probably don’t have to remind you that it’s your responsibility to always monitor and supervise your dog in such situations. This is best learned in the home, or somewhere how to train a mastiff peaceful without a lot of distractions.
On a final note, obedience classes are a great way to help your Pit Bull socialize and learn some important skills. You can start by inviting a few dog-loving friends over (even better if they can bring their dogs) to introduce your puppy to new people and dogs in a calm, supervised manner. If you’re worried, you can always keep your Pit Bull puppy and other dogs on a leash around each other at first until they get used to one another.
Use treats and triggers.
Learning how to potty train puppies at the right time and place is one of the most important first steps you can take for a long, happy life together. House soiling is among the top reasons why dogs lose their homes or end up in shelters. Few people are willing to put up with a dog who destroys rugs and flooring, or who leaves a stinky mess that needs to be cleaned after a hard day at work. Adult dogs bond just as readily as puppies do, and one of the benefits is that housetraining is often a much easier process for them. With the ability to hold more liquid per square inch than disposable competitors, the Pet Parents Pawtect Washable Dog Pee Pads will keep floors dry from seepage and tracking.
Understanding the most common behavioral problems in dogs ahead of training can go a long way in generalizing and proofing. Even if your pet isn’t exhibiting these behaviors now, they can start to down the line, and you’ll want to get a jump on them before they become bad habits. If your dog knows the “sit” command, they’re halfway to learning the “lie down” command (and one-third of the way to learning “roll over”). This cue provides many benefits to owners, like teaching their canine pals to settle. It can also be used in conjunction with the “stay” command to encourage your dog to relax and rest while you keep them in one spot.
Also, remember to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise when your dog completes each step. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, so praise and reward your pup every time they successfully come when called using treats, toys, or verbal praise. To find the best online dog training courses, we sifted through many available courses to find those that offered the most diversity in training with the best reviews. We considered customer reviews, pricing, accessibility, and free options. But two big factors that helped us determine which services landed on our list were reputation and the ability to customize training.
Rubbing His Nose In It When He Makes a Potty Training Mistake
Pit bulls are smart and can be high energy and high drive. A bored pittie can quickly develop behavior problems, so create a plan for both mentally and physically stimulating your dog so he has positive outlets for his energy. Pit bulls are highly intelligent, very trainable and require solid training and impulse control. Start by teaching your dog solid Leave it and Take it and Drop it cues.
Your dog will quickly learn they gain access to the good stuff simply by listening to your requests. If you’re interested in taking your dog training even further, be sure to check out AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program. Always be happy when your dog comes to you, whether you called him or not. A common owner complaint is that the dog does not come when called. Never punish your dog when he comes to you, no matter what he did before. Call him in a happy, playful tone and reward big when he gets to you, with treats, a toy, or praise.