Getting a new puppy is an exciting experience! They are full of energy and want to run around and play all day. Along with all the fun of having a puppy around, there is also a bit of work. If you’re like most dog owners, you want your pup to be a good listener. After all, it can be frustrating when your dog doesn’t seem to understand what you’re saying. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your puppy listen a little more closely. This article will discuss some of the best tips for training your dog to listen better!
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Be Consistent
One of the most important things you can do to make your puppy a better listener is consistency with your commands. If you ask for a command multiple times and your puppy ignores you, your pup will quickly learn that they don’t need to listen the first time. On the other hand, if you consistently give commands and enforce them, your puppy will learn that you are serious and that they need to listen. One way to be more consistent is to use the same words for each command. This will help your dog learn the command faster.
Practice Every Day
Another essential tip for making your puppy a better listener is to practice every day. Give commands and enforce them in different situations. For example, ask your dog to sit when you’re standing next to them, then ask them to do the same thing when you’re across the room. You can also try asking your pup to listen in different environments. For example, see if they will listen to you when there are distractions like other dogs or people. The more you practice, the better your puppy will follow commands.
Use Rewards And Praise
One of the best ways to make your puppy a better listener is by using rewards and praise. When you ask them to do something, give them some verbal praise in a happy tone of voice. A cheerful tone will let them know that they are doing what you want and being good. Puppies love getting attention, so this is a great way to get them to listen to you. Another way to use rewards is to create a positive reinforcement system. Positive reinforcement means that every time your puppy does something good, they get a treat. This will train them over time that if they want a treat, they need to listen to you and do what you say. Eventually, it will become a habit for them, and they will start listening to you more and more.
Research Their Breed
Different breeds have different personalities, and some are more prone to being good listeners than others. If you know that your pup is part of a breed that tends to be good with commands, it will make training them much easier. On the other hand, if you have a breed known to be more stubborn or independent, you will need to put in a bit more effort when training them. Do research on your dog’s breed to learn as much as possible about their personality and what to expect. This will help make the process smoother and ensure that you and your pup are on the same page.
Don’t Punish Them
Even if you get frustrated when teaching your new puppy to be a better listener, you should still try your best to avoid punishing them. Punishment can have the opposite effect and make them less likely to listen in the future. A better approach is to ignore bad behavior and only give positive reinforcement when they do something good. This will help them understand that they are good when they listen to you and that there is no need to be afraid of punishment.
Speak Quietly
When training a dog to do anything, you want to use a calm and gentle voice. This is especially true when it comes to training puppies how to listen. Yelling or being angry will only confuse them and make them harder to train. If possible, always try to use the same tone and volume when giving commands to your puppy. Speak quietly and clearly, and your puppy will soon be following your commands with ease.
Conclusion
Puppy training is a process that takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. With a little bit of work, you can have a dog who listens attentively and understands what you’re asking him to do. If you find yourself getting too frustrated when trying to train your puppy, there are a ton of great dog trainers out there that can help. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Your puppy will thank you for it in the end! By following these simple tips, your training sessions go much smoother.
