There are few things more exciting than welcoming a new puppy into your home. When your family gains a fur-baby, there are a lot of things to keep in mind-particularly if you have small kids at home. Training your puppy properly is so important, but it’s also imperative to teach kids how to treat their new family member as well. Check out these 7 training tips and how to keep your kids safe with their new puppy.
- Choose your pup’s name and stick to it.
Choose a name right away, so that you can immediately start using it when calling your new puppy. The younger they are when they begin hearing and recognizing their name, the quicker it will be to train them properly. It’s all about repetition and consistency when it comes to training!
- Stay calm and assertive while training.
While training, your energy is a very important aspect. Remain calm, yet firm when teaching your puppy new things. Even when you realize that your dog eats poop and you have to search up “my dog eat cat poop” on Google, stay calm and train assertively.
- Set up a private den in a quiet room.
Create a safe and quiet space for your puppy-this can be in a separate room or simply just a crate. This is particularly helpful if you already have other pets in your home. Short periods of time left alone can be incredibly beneficial for new puppies. Be sure to reward your pup if they remain quiet and relaxed.
- Make good behavior a big deal.
Positive reinforcement is so important when it comes to training new puppies. When it comes to energy level, Beagle dog or similar breeds would require proper training to help them understand how they are supposed to behave. Have plenty of treats and toys ready and shower your puppy with praise when they get things right.
- Turn your back to jumping up.
When puppies get excited, they love nothing more than jumping up on whoever they’re saying hello to. Instead of reprimanding, simply ignore this behavior by turning the other way. When you fail to get them attention when they’re trying to get attention, the behavior will eventually subside. Be sure not to pat or praise your pup while they’re in a jumping position.
- Discourage your pup from biting or nipping.
A great trick for dealing with biting or nipping is to pretend you’re in immense amounts of pain. You can also slide in a chew toy to replace your hand or pant leg.
- Always end on a positive note.
Whenever you’re training your pup, it’s a great idea to end on a positive note. Lots of praise, love, playing, and a treat will get your new puppy excited and ready to go for their next training session.
How to Be Sure Your Kids are Being Safe
First and foremost, it’s crucial to teach your kids how to treat their new puppy. They won’t innately know what acceptable behavior is, so it’s important to explain it to them. Pulling on your pup’s tail or hair or jumping on the dog and riding it are not only harmful to your new puppy, but it could also cause your pet to lash out. Teaching children how to respect and be kind to animals will go a long way.
Giving your new puppy plenty of exercise is a great way to keep hyperactivity at bay. This means they’re likely to engage in less rough housing with your kids. Keeping your new puppy on a leash, especially if you’re outdoors, is a good way to keep control of any situation. Dog bites are one of the most commonly seen causes of personal injury cases. Be sure to take all necessary precautions with your new pup in order to help keep them and others safe.