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Getting a puppy or new dog can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to training them. A great way to get started is by learning the best practices for the different kinds of dog training, like potty and obedience training. Not only will proper training help your pooch be a happier, more well-behaved dog, but it will also help create a strong bond of trust between the two of you.
Whether you’re a new pup parent or have trained dogs before, keep reading for some useful tips to train dogs.
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Ideally, you should start training a dog as soon as they are old enough to be away from their mother and go to their new home with you. Puppies are constantly learning as they make their way through the world and interact with you, so it’s best to start as early as you can.1 However, dogs can be trained at any age, so don’t worry if your dog isn’t a puppy anymore.
The method for training your dog will depend on what you are trying to teach them. In general, dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. This means giving your pup something they like, such as treats or praise, when they do something correctly, hoping it will encourage them to repeat that behavior.1
Before you get started with formal training, figure out what your dog likes as a reward, whether that’s a specific type of treat, a toy, verbal praise, petting — or perhaps a combination. That way, you’ll know you’re ready to motivate them with a reward they’ll happily anticipate.
Potty training, or house training, a puppy is one of the most important first steps in teaching your dog good habits. Potty training takes patience and consistency. Start by establishing a regular schedule for doggie bathroom breaks, including first thing in the morning, after meals, after they’ve been sleeping, and before bed. Puppies younger than 4 to 6 months need to be taken outside at least every couple of hours because their bladders are still developing.2
When they eliminate in the right spot, give them their reward immediately so they make the connection. It can also be helpful to use the same phrase, like “potty” or “do your business” each time you encourage them to go. Consider taking your pup out on a leash each time to help them get used to being leashed.2
When inside, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your dog to learn their signals that they need to go outside. This will help prevent accidents and speed up the house training process. Crate training can aid in preventing accidents as well, because dogs don’t like to excrete where they sleep or eat.2
Not only does crate training help house train your dog, but it gives them a safe, comfortable place to rest and sleep. When you first introduce your puppy to the crate, leave the door open and allow them to explore. Add a comfy blanket and toy or two to make it inviting to your dog. You can even coax them inside with a treat or feed them their meals in it, but don’t force them in until they feel ready.3
Once your pup is comfortable inside their crate, close the door and eventually, leave the room. When your dog is at the point that they will relax in the crate for long stretches, leave the house with them in the crate. If that goes well, you can crate your dog at night. While your dog is still potty training, put the crate in your bedroom or within earshot in case your dog whines to go potty in the night.3
If your pup is exhibiting behavior you don’t want, such as excessive barking or aggression, they may need behavioral training. This can be one of the toughest types of training to accomplish on your own, so many owners of dogs with behavioral issues opt for professional dog training. There are some actions you can perform to try to curb your pup’s bad behavior, however:4
If your dog is having serious behavior problems, discuss the situation with your veterinarian. There’s a chance medication could help, and they may be able to refer you to a behavioral specialist or good dog training school for your dog’s particular needs.
Obedience training involves teaching your dog commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Consistency is key for teaching commands, so try to always use the same command in the same tone. For example, don’t use “come” and “come here” interchangeably when you want your dog to come to you.5 Pick a word or phrase and say it in a calm, happy voice while looking at your dog. Don’t forget to give them a reward when they do the right thing.6
It’s best to start teaching these basic commands at home with minimal distractions. Try to keep training sessions short, because more than 10 – 15 minutes at a time can overwhelm your pup. Focus on practicing a couple times a day at first. Even when your dog has mastered a skill, it’s important to continue practicing it from time to time.5
Some dog owners choose to use a small handheld device called a clicker for dog training. A clicker makes positive reinforcement training more efficient because it teaches your dog to better connect their correct behavior with the reward. You don’t have to have a clicker to train with this method; you simply need some sort of marker that’s distinct, like a whistle or a snap of your fingers.7
To clicker or marker train, as soon as your dog does what you want, you will “mark” immediately and proceed to pair that with the treat or other reward. This will help them connect their action with the reward.7
Some other pieces of advice for training your puppy include:1,6
You can help set your dog up for success by starting all forms of training when they are a puppy.
While it’s usually easier to train a puppy, contrary to the popular saying, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. Just like with a younger dog, you’ll need a reward for your older dog, and a clicker or other marker isn’t a bad idea. Keep in mind that an older dog may have hearing loss, so they may not be able to detect a quiet click or other soft-sounding marker.
Training itself shouldn’t be too different from puppy training. Keep training sessions short and be consistent with your commands. In between practicing new tricks, have your older pup do tricks they already know. Don’t scold your dog if they make a mistake, and remember that just like with puppies, repetition and consistency are vital.
It may seem daunting to try to potty train an adult dog. However, house training an adult dog can definitely be done, and in some aspects can be easier than potty training a puppy.
Adult dogs have mature bladders, so they’re able to “hold it” for much longer than puppies. Despite this, you should still give your adult pup the opportunity to use the bathroom outside frequently. Be sure to stay outside for more than a couple minutes to ensure they have time to go. If they don’t eliminate after you’ve been outside for several minutes, keep them close to you inside, and then go back outside to try again 10 minutes later. When your dog does have accidents indoors, use an enzyme cleaner to get rid of the odor so your dog isn’t tempted to go in the same spot again.8
The cost of professional dog training will vary greatly depending on where you live and what type of training you want. Group classes could cost between $20 – $75 per class, while personalized training could run between $45 – $400 per session. Some companies even offer “boot camps” for dogs where they go every day for a week or two or even stay at a facility for the length of the program. This type of extensive training could cost up to $3,500 or more.9
While training your dog is an important part of raising a happy, obedient pup, it can sometimes come with added expenses, especially if you choose to work with a professional trainer or enroll your dog in training classes. The good news is that MetLife Pet could help you cover the cost of behavioral training with our Preventive Care add-on.
For example, Maggie, a young German shepherd from Ohio, was exhibiting anxious behavior. After discussing her anxiety with her vet, Maggie’s pet parents decided to sign her up for professional behavioral training. The total cost of the training was $2,250, but MetLife Pet covered over $1,700 of the bill.10
When you get a new puppy or adopt a dog from a shelter, training costs and other vet bills can add up quickly. When you purchase dog insurance through MetLife Pet, you can focus on bonding with your new furry friend knowing that we’ll help you cover both planned and unexpected costs. Get started with a free quote today.
