Transforming My Dog's Behaviour: Best Puppy Training Tips for Lifelong Success

Becoming a dog owner has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The bond I've formed with my dog, Milton, has brought so much joy and love into my home. Now that Milton is 7 years old, I want to take this opportunity to share the best puppy training tips I've ever received. These tips have shaped Milton into the well-behaved dog he is today and made MY journey as A dog parent peaceful and enjoyable. Whether you're a new dog owner or have a mature pup like Milton, these simple yet valuable tips will help you and your dog thrive together.

Creating a Cozy Safe Space: The Power of Blanket Training

One of the first pieces of advice I received at dog training classes was to bring my puppy a small blanket or mat. Little did I know that this simple item would have such a profound impact on Milton’s behaviour. Blanket training is about creating a safe place for your dog to rest, relax, and calm down.

Whenever I took Milton out, I brought this blanket along. Over time, he formed an association between the blanket and a place to unwind. This became incredibly beneficial when we ventured into new environments, from busy parks to friends’ houses. Milton recognizes the blanket as an invitation to sit or lie calmly when the blanket is laid down. Training your dog's ability to settle down anywhere is beneficial and practical, especially if you intend to bring your dog to places.

Not only does the blanket training benefit our outings, but it also fosters good boundaries at home. I can confidently tell Milton to get on his blanket, and he'll settle down there, allowing me to enjoy some downtime or work without distraction.

Teaching Patience: The Importance of "Wait"

I learned the following essential lesson: to teach Milton the command "wait." This may not seem basic initially, but it plays a critical role in shaping a dog's character. Teaching your dog to wait builds patience and discipline, qualities every dog should have.

It’s easy to overlook this training step in today's fast-paced world. Still, patience is a valuable virtue for our furry friends. Early on, I would have Milton wait for his food before I set it down. At first, he struggled, but with consistent practice, he learned to stay put until I gave him the go-ahead.

Teaching him to wait has transformed our daily routines from treats to walks. I can't tell you how many times I’ve had to delay feeding or change plans at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Milton now understands that good things come to those who wait. This powerful command will remove the stress of having to rush and ensure that wherever we go, he is seen as a polite and well-mannered dog.

Setting Up for Success: Understanding Habits

Dogs are creatures of habit. Through my journey, I’ve learned that setting your puppy (or mature dog) up for success is essential. Training isn’t simply about commands; it’s about shaping habits through consistency.

New behaviours take time to form; dogs need clear guidance. When we first started training, I ensured Milton had a structured environment. Poorly defined routines can confuse dogs, leading to unwanted behaviours. I noticed a lot of training focused on correcting certain behaviours. However, when dogs have no chance to do it, they will never do it. For example, properly put away your garbage so that pups don't have access to it instead of training them to ignore the trash that has leftover food inside. If you don't want your dog to destroy your slippers, don't leave the slippers around and provide the chance to behave wrongly. Instead of correcting, I find preventing works better.

Consistency is Key

In dog training, consistency is critical. It's not just about repeating commands; it is not about going to puppy school once a week. It is about constantly reinforcing and consistently setting clear expectations for your dog. Dog training is hard work. And no, destructive behaviours will not go away when they are older. It will only get harder to train out unwanted behaviours if you don't start early and/or only do it when you feel like it.

You can teach your dogs many other useful commands to make your life together easier. For example, "leave it" or Pee/poop on command is extremely useful to teach. However, I find the above three basic pieces of training the foundation for a joyful life with a dog. What are some of the most helpful training tips you have received? Let us know.