Hey there, pawrents! It’s me, Harvey—your friendly English Bulldog who’s been there, done that (and, trust me, I’ve chewed a slipper or two). If you’ve just brought home a new puppy, I know you’re super excited, but let me tell you… those little furballs can be a handful! But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with some tail-wagging tips to help your pup grow into the goodest doggo around. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with Basic Commands
First things first—every good dog needs to know the basics: “sit,” “stay,” and “no.” Start teaching these early on, because they’re the building blocks for everything else. Keep it short and sweet (just like me!), and don’t forget the treats or belly rubs when your pup nails it. And trust me, they’ll love the attention.
2. Be Consistent with Training
Here’s a big one: consistency. If you’re telling your pup “down” and your partner’s saying “off,” you’re gonna end up with one confused pup. So, make sure everyone in the house is on the same page. Puppies love routine—feed ‘em, take ‘em for potty breaks, and play with ‘em around the same time every day. That way, they’ll catch on faster (and you’ll have fewer accidents to clean up).
3. Socialize Your Puppy Early
Puppies gotta mingle too, y’know? Let your little buddy meet new people, pets, and places while they’re still young. It makes them braver and less likely to freak out when they meet the mailman or the neighbor’s cat (uh, hello, Harvarina). Early socialization equals one chill pup later on.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
We dogs loooove a good treat (who doesn’t?). So, when your pup does something right, make a big fuss—treats, toys, or just a “good dog!” We respond way better to love than yelling. Trust me, you don’t want your pup to be scared of training time. Keep it all pawsitive, and your dog will be begging to show off their new skills.
5. Be Patient and Persistent
Listen, not every day’s gonna be a walk in the park (even if you’re actually walking in the park). Your pup might test your patience, but stick with it! We can tell when you’re frustrated, and that’s no fun for anyone. Celebrate the small wins and stay calm—you got this, and your puppy will be doing tricks in no time.
6. Crate Training for Safety and Comfort
Crate training might sound a little scary, but it’s actually great! It gives your puppy their very own den where they can chill out and feel safe. Make sure it’s cozy and just the right size—not too big, not too small. And please, never use the crate as a punishment. Eventually, your pup will love their little hideaway. Plus, it helps with housebreaking and keeps ‘em from chewing up your shoes when you’re not looking!
7. Practice Leash Training Early
Get ‘em on the leash early, folks! I know, I know… we can be a bit dramatic about it at first. But if you start leash training while your pup’s still young, you’ll both enjoy walks way more. Pro tip: Let ‘em wear the leash indoors for a bit to get used to it. Once outside, reward ‘em for sticking by your side and not dragging you down the street. Trust me…we love to walk you as much as you love walking us. Walking = bonding time!
Conclusion
Training a puppy isn’t just about teaching them tricks; it’s about building a bond that’ll last a lifetime. Start early, keep things consistent, and always stay pawsitive. With a little patience, your pup will grow into the best-behaved dog on the block (just like I was, right Mom?). Pro Tip *If you need some extra training tools, check out HARV’s range of essential oils and calming sprays—we’ve got everything your pup needs to chill out and enjoy the journey.