Dog Training Basics: Quick Fixes for 4 Specific Puppy Problems

Is your new puppy a little too rambunctious? Does he escape, chew things he shouldn't, jump on your guests and get upset when you lock him in the other room? These are common problems experienced by almost every new puppy owner. Here are some solutions you can try to gain control over your excited and adorable puppy.

Dog training isn't difficult, but it does require consistency and the right methods. If you issue a command, do so with authority. Some commands are taught together to be effective. Once you know the secrets to basic dog training, advanced training will come much easier.

Here are solutions to some of the common problems new puppy owners face.

Before any dog training can begin, you'll need a training collar and leash for your puppy.

1. Puppy runs out the door and won't come back.

Until your puppy receives his dog training, the only solution is to ensure he can't get out the door or gate. The sooner you teach him the proper commands, however, the sooner you can stop worrying about him escaping.

There actually are two commands that work together in this situation: sit or down, and stay. You'll start by teaching your puppy to sit. Once he's learned this, which shouldn't take long, you can teach him to stay. So he doesn't get confused, it's best if you save the stay lesson until tomorrow.

Teach to sit:

Kneel or squat down beside your puppy. Keep the leash at a length of about two feet between the puppy's collar and you hand. Gently but firmly grasp the spot on his back just in front of your puppy's hips. Press down firmly to force his back end down while holding his head end up with the leash. While doing this, tell your puppy to Sit, making sure you emphasize the 't'.

Teach to stay:

There are two parts to the stay command. You'll tell him to stay and block him with your hand. With leash in hand, stand beside your puppy so that you're both facing in the same direction. Tell him to sit. He should have learned to obey this command in the "Teach to sit" instruction. Then, order him to stay while holding your flat hand about four inches in front of his face.

Be persistent with your dog training, but don't work with him for more than 10-15 minutes at a time or he and you will become frustrated.

Don't forget the consistent praises for a job well done.

Once he's learned the sit-stay command, you'll find lots of opportunities to use it, like when he jumps on people.

2. Puppy is destructive when he's left in a closed room.

Being social animals, puppies hate being separated from the pack. The separation anxiety, fear and distress caused by being isolated causes him to chew anything in site. There are several, solutions. First, never use a barrier that he can't see through, such as a door or piece of wood. Use a special dog gate or other such item that enables him to see the other "pack" members.

Putting a radio in the room can help, too. And don't forget the toys.

3. Puppy eats shoes, socks and other clothing.

One mistake many owners make is to give their puppies old socks or shoes to gnaw. While this is great fun for the puppy, it sets you up for problems later on. What you're essentially doing is dog training. He doesn't know the difference between your clothes and the ones you give him. Never give your puppy socks or shoes. Provide him with proper puppy chew toys and special jaw exercisers.

4. Puppy won't leave visitors alone.

Puppies love everybody and are anxious to show it. To break your puppy of this habit, teach him the sit-stay command. Of course, you can't do that when company's around. The sooner he goes through dog training, the easier it is to resolve these situations. After he's trained, issue the sit-stay command whenever he jumps on people. In the meantime, simply put him in a confined area with a see-through gate until your guests leave.

Dog training is very important for a number of reasons. It saves you a lot of problems when certain situations arise. It gives you control over your puppy. In addition, it can save his life. Some owners are content just to teach their puppies the basics: sit, stay, come, fetch, and wait.

Once your puppy learns the basics, you can move on to more advanced dog training.

Article Tags: Sit-stay Command