If you're thinking about getting a new puppy into your home, it's important to research training. There is endless information online about what to do when training a puppy, but it is also important to know what NOT to do. Below is a list of things you should not do when bringing home a new puppy.
1. Leaving your puppy unattended
While it may feel like a nuisance, it's worth not leaving a new puppy alone for the first few months. If left alone, a puppy is likely to have accidents or chew on a new pair of shoes — or anything else of value. Of course there are times when you have to get out the door - so it's an ideal time to start kennel training or lock the puppy up in a puppy-friendly room.
2. Do not abuse the crate
A kennel or crate should be a safe place for a puppy. You should make sure they are only put in the kennel during the night, for naps or when you leave the house. Never put a dog in the kennel for punishment or neglect him/her while they are in it as this can lead to anger and anxiety issues.
3. Not training inconsistently
Consistency is a must, especially when it comes to puppy training. Dogs need simple training instructions and they have to obey commands, so consistency is key. You should put the same amount of effort into training the puppy every day so that they can understand the training every step of the way.
4. Do not encourage playful biting
Puppies start examining their mouths and teeth at a very early age. It is well known that puppies love to chew everything from shoes to furniture - even fingers. While puppies are cute in all the little things they do, it's never okay to encourage biting.
5. Don't try too much at once
Patience is key when training a puppy. You should wait for the puppy to fully understand one training section before moving on to the next. It's easy to assume that a puppy has learned a command a few times in a row and that he/she is ready to move on to the next part of training, but it's best to wait until the puppy is proficient is with the specific command. Never rush or the puppy may feel overwhelmed and it may bring back training process. For example, if a puppy is taught to "sit" and they've done it a few times in a row, switching to "sit and stay" automatically would usually be too much.
6. Don't reward too quickly
If a new puppy is doing well with a command, you should wait until the puppy is completely done with his/her command before rewarding them so they understand why they are being rewarded. When a puppy is rewarded before they complete an assignment, they will not fully understand the training.
7. Avoid negative emotion
Exaggeration with emotion can lead to a bad reaction from a puppy. When you train with irritation, anger or violence, you intimidate the puppy and the training sessions can turn into research. Training with positive energy and praise will probably lead to more energy and willingness to learn in the puppy.
