As a dog parent, I understand the guilt that can come with training our furry friends. When I brought my first pup home, Garo, I dove into researching everything I could about dog care. I focused on the essentials like potty training, how many walks my dog needed, and what type of food would suit them best. I even braced myself for any furniture mishaps (thankfully, I didn't have to go through that grief!).
As I researched more, I stumbled upon topics like professional behavioral training, crate training, and leash training. Honestly, the idea of the costs—both financial and emotional—felt a bit daunting at times. Crate training seemed particularly challenging, and leash training definitely needed a good dose of patience. But through it all, the love and bond with my pup has made it all worthwhile!
If you’re feeling the weight of these challenges, just know that you’re not alone. Take a deep breath and remember that every step in this journey can be a learning experience for both you and your dog, and it's okay to take things one day at a time.
The cost of sending your furry friend to ‘puppy school’ can be quite overwhelming, most ranging between $100 and +$300 per class. Thankfully, there are alternative ways to train your pet right at home. Just keep in mind that building good behavior takes time and patience. Small, consistent practice sessions can really make a difference in your dog’s learning journey. You’re not alone in this, and every little effort helps!
If you're looking to take charge of your pup's training, starting with potty training can be a great idea! Establishing a solid routine is key to success. Try to set up a schedule for outdoor potty breaks—puppies usually need to go out every 2-4 hours, while adult dogs can go every 6-8 hours. And don’t forget about nap time! Just like us, when your little furball wakes up, they’ll likely need to go outside, so take advantage of those moments.
Remember, accidents will happen, and that’s perfectly normal! It's all part of the process, so try not to get frustrated. Instead of punishing your pup, focus on effectively cleaning up accidents—this helps prevent them from going to the same spot again. A product like Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover can really save the day!
Training your pup in good behavior is super important to help them feel at ease around people and other dogs. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to fix any potential bad habits! Remember, positive reinforcement is essential when you’re training your furry friend at home.
I’ll never forget my first experience with my dog, Garo. My partner and I discovered that he had a bit of food aggression. While it’s not something every dog has, if your pup growls or nips when you get close to their food or treats, it’s definitely worth working on that behavior. Our vet had a fantastic recommendation: try hand-feeding your dog for a couple of weeks! This means offering them their main meals and treats by hand, which helps them understand that you’re there to provide food, not take it away.
While I was hand-feeding Garo, I made sure to give him some gentle pets too. If he growled, I simply pulled my hand back until he was calm and then offered the food again. We worked on this for just over a week, and it really made a difference!
As a new dog mom, one of my biggest worries was suddenly having a little Tasmanian devil zooming around my house! While scrolling through Instagram, I would see endless videos of pups chewing up everything in sight. It quickly became clear that young pups need a lot of stimulation, and that’s something you really notice when you become a dog parent.
Training your dog involves finding fun and engaging ways to keep them entertained, but it’s not too hard when you consider how adorable and funny puppies can be! Still, we all need a little breather from all that cuteness—whether it’s to get some work done or enjoy a relaxing bath. That’s why I recommend stocking up on a variety of entertaining dog toys. Chewable toys, bouncy balls, and every pup's favorite, a stuffed lamb chop, can go a long way! When you see your pup chewing on something, he shouldnt make sure you remove it and replace it with one of their toys.
And remember, when your dog is behaving well, don’t forget to reward them with a treat or two! It's a great way to reinforce good behavior and make training even more enjoyable for both of you.
One fun way to keep your dog entertained is by teaching them some simple commands at home! You’ll be amazed at how quickly your pup can pick up commands like sit, stay, down, come, and leave it. I recommend having short training sessions with your furry friend each day. There are tons of free resources out there with step-by-step guides to help you teach these commands effectively. One of my all-time favorites is the Puppr app—it’s super user-friendly and covers everything from basic obedience to some really cool circus tricks!
Socialization is super important for your pup’s behavioral training, which is why professional training is so highly recommended! It gives your furry friend a great chance to mingle with different people, staff members, other dog parents, and of course, fellow pups who are all on the same journey. But don’t worry—your pup can socialize outside of a training setting, too!
Look for fun spots where your dog can interact with people, like strolling through town, visiting dog-friendly stores like Home Depot, or hanging out at a local brewery. It’s all about those opportunities for them to make new friends! When someone wants to pet your pup, feel free to say yes, but let your dog take the lead on the interaction. It’s all about building confidence! And don’t forget to pack a collapsible water bowl and a water bottle, keep up with your pup’s potty schedule, and always bring along some training treats for those special moments.
Taking your dog for a walk can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! The younger your pup is, the easier it can be to teach them basic leash training. Just think of each walk as a fresh adventure and a fantastic chance to learn together. There are bound to be lots of distractions out there, so be sure to bring some tasty training treats and be ready to use commands like "sit" and "drop it."
It’s a good idea for every dog to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day, so gear up for some quality time outdoors with your furry friend—whether it's sunny, rainy, or even snowy, consistency is key! Start by introducing the leash to your pup at home and practicing those basic commands before heading out. And don't forget to switch things up every now and then! Explore different trails for your walks because, just like us, dogs can get bored with the same routine. Keep it exciting, and make each walk a new adventure! Happy walking!
Once you’ve established a solid routine, you may be considering the next step in your pup’s socialization—hitting the park! Once your new pup has all its vaccines, going to the park is a fantastic idea. To start, choose a time when it’s not too crowded so your puppy can soak in all those exciting smells and experiences. There are different opinions about dog parks, but in my experience, they can be a fun way for dogs to learn how to play and interact with other furry friends. Just keep an eye on your pup, and try to let them figure things out on their own in non-threatening situations. It’s natural to feel protective, but allowing them to learn will really help shape their character!
Crate training can be a bit of a hot topic when it comes to helping your furry friend adjust. There are definitely some great benefits to crate training! It can create a cozy, safe space for your pup that helps them feel secure and calm, which is especially helpful if they struggle with anxiety. Plus, if you ever have to leave them at the vet, a boarding facility, or for grooming, a well-trained dog may be more comfortable since many of these places use crates.
That said, crate training isn’t the best fit for every dog parent—and that’s perfectly fine! If you decide that crate training isn’t for you, there are lots of other ways to keep your pet safe and happy while you're away. For instance, you might want to help your pup get used to spending time alone gradually. Start by leaving them alone for short periods, like an hour or two, and make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them entertained. I really love treat-dispensing toys like Kongs or puzzle toys because they can keep pups busy and mentally stimulated.
When I first brought Garo home, crate training was quite the challenge! He got very anxious, and I found myself worrying a lot when I had to leave him alone. But those treat-dispensing toys really made a difference and helped him learn that being alone is okay.
If you're still feeling nervous about your mischievous little buddy getting into trouble, consider setting up a home camera in the areas where your dog will be. It really eased my worries about Garo turning into a little Tasmanian devil and going after my shoes! There are so many affordable home surveillance cameras out there, ranging from $20 to $500. Some of my favorites are Wyze, Ring, and Google.
Remember, every pup is different, so it’s all about finding what works best for you and your furry friend!