How to Train a 9-Week-Old Puppy
- 1). Prioritize the training tasks that are most important for your puppy to learn, and draft a plan of action. These lessons can include housebreaking as well as simple commands such as "sit," "stay" and "no."
- 2). Start housebreaking your puppy on its first day in your home by taking it outside frequently, especially after each meal. According to the Dog Breed Information Center, housebreaking requires your puppy to be taken outside at least six times a day. Praise your puppy (verbally or with a treat) for relieving itself outside. You may have to confine the puppy to a crate or small space if you are going to be gone from your home for a significant period of time so it doesn't urinate in the house.
- 3). Include everyone in the family or household in the training process. It is important that the puppy recognizes who is in charge and has constant reinforcement for its actions. Everyone needs to be involved in housebreaking and training.
- 4). Work with your puppy on a few skills daily such as "sit" and "stay" in small time brackets of 10 to 15 minutes. Young puppies are easily distracted, so set reasonable limits on training sessions. Daily repetition will help your young dog pick up skills quickly. Allow the puppy to master one skill before moving on to the next.
- 5). Reinforce your training by using small treats and verbal praise. Use the treat as a lead that the puppy will follow to a sitting or lying down position. Pair the desired action with a verbal command, and praise your the dog with the treat and kind words to reinforce that its actions were correct.
- 6). Avoid hitting or yelling at your puppy. Mistakes are a natural and inevitable part of the training process. Remaining positive and patient will help you train your puppy and socialize it to be a happy dog that is good with people.
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