The First Things to Teach Your Puppy For A Well-Mannered Companion

Did you just adopt a new puppy? Well, it’s time to plan out the first things to teach a puppy. It’s time to raise a well-behaved and obedient puppy. Here are some of the first things that you should teach your puppy, so you can lay a foundation for a well-mannered adorable companion.

"Sit": The Prime of Obedience

Teaching your puppy how to sit is one of the basic commands in obedience training. It establishes their ability to follow instructions and maintain self-control. You can hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it upwards. As their head goes up, their bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position. Give them treats and praise to encourage repetition. Practice this with your pup regularly until they can respond to your verbal cue alone.

"Stay": Building Impulse Control

it's time to introduce the "stay" command after they master sitting on cue. This command teaches them to remain in place until you permit them to move. Ask your puppy to sit, then extend your hand in a stop signal and say, "Stay." Step back, and if they stay in place, reward them. Always start with short durations and gradually increase the time and distance. Remember to use a release word like "okay" to let your puppy know when it's time to move.

"Come": Ensuring Safety and Recall

The "come" command is important for your puppy's safety. This also allows you to maintain control in many situations. Make sure to start in a distraction-free environment, call their name, and say "come" in an enthusiastic tone while patting your leg. When they come to you, reward them with treats and praise. Gradually introduce distractions like toys or other people, and only celebrate their success to motivate your pup.

"Leave It": Restrain Undesirable Behavior

You can teach your puppy to “leave it” so they can stop grabbing or eating things that they shouldn’t. Begin by enclosing a treat within your closed fist and presenting it to your puppy. As they sniff, lick, or paw at your hand, use the command "leave it" and patiently wait for them to withdraw. Once they do, provide a separate treat as a reward and offer words of praise. This command facilitates impulse control and establishes boundaries for their interactions with the environment.

"Off”: Establishing Proper Manners

Overwhelming and dangerous when they grow, puppies have the impulse to jump up on people. Teaching them the "off" command helps establish proper manners. When your puppy jumps up, turn away and cross your arms, making your body less engaging. Say "off" firmly, and as soon as they have all four paws on the ground, reward them with attention and praise.

Conclusion

By focusing on the key commands above, you’re creating a solid foundation for a well-mannered and obedient pup. Remember to always be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep training sessions short and engaging. The early days of puppyhood are a critical time for learning. By teaching them the key commands, you're setting your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior and a strong bond between you two.

CTO Dog TrainingJune 14, 2023