How to teach a puppy to listen to you, REALLY listen to you...5 easy tips.

Looking at that little puppy dog eyes when you talk to them and knowing they listen to you, regardless of the distractions around is one of the top things I know puppy owners want to happen. Who imagines getting a puppy and picturing them ignoring you, not listening and alsmost doing the exact opposite of what you ask?!

The best advice I can give you is to think about exactly why you wanted to get your little puppy? Was it for cuddles on the sofa? Long walks in the fields? Someone to talk to? Company when you take a trip to the pub? For the children to bond with?

Whatever your reason, everyone's puppy training needs to start with teaching them how to listen (and understand) what it is we're asking them to do.

I've got 5 easy ways to get this started.

1 - Start puppy training early.

The best time to start training a puppy is when they are young, between 8 and 12 weeks old. Puppies are more receptive to learning at this age, and they are also more likely to form a strong bond with their owner. Reality is when they're little they want to be with you and want to learn from you. Make the most of it and get training!

2 - Be consistent.

It is important to be consistent with your training. Puppies need to know what is expected of them, do don't move the goalposts. Make it clear as to what you're asking, how you're asking and they need to know that you will always follow through with your commands.

They'll begin to learn this is as you train. Make it easier for them to understand and keep it simple, consistent and clear.

3 - Use positive reinforcement.

Be nice to your puppy. In reality that's how simple this stuff needs to be. Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train a puppy. Remember that this doesn't just means treats, that's a very simplified misunderstood explanation of positive reinforcement.

Make your puppy feel good when they do cool stuff like sit, stay where they are or come back when you call them. Puppies are more likely to repeat behaviours that are rewarded. In other words, if they do something they know you like, they'll keep doing it. If you think you need to shout, tell off, point at and ask 'are you listening to me?' or show them who's boss, you're around 30 years behind. It doesn't work like that and it never did.

Fear doesn't teach anyone anything, nevermind a puppy. Clear boundries, guidance and time ton learn does.

4 - Short & sweet sessions.

Train in little short bursts and make it FUN for you and your puppy. Don't expect too much and keep it fun. Progress is a long progress and learning takes time, don't expect them to be doing spins and tricks in the first week. If you can manage to get some sleep, get them to sleep, keep your ankles free from being nibbled and keep them fed then you're smashing it!

Puppies have short attention spans, so it is important to keep training sessions short and fun. If a training session gets too long, the puppy will start to lose interest and may become frustrated. This is when you'll start to see naughty puppy come out. Nibbling, biting, growling and all of that other lovely stuff. This is your sign they're tired, let them chill.

5 - Be patient.

It takes time and patience to train a puppy. Don't get discouraged if your puppy doesn't learn stuff straight away. Just keep practicing, and eventually your puppy will get it. Keeping it simple, clear and easy (I feel I'm repeating myself a touch 😉).

Treat them like the little nervous bundle of energy that they are. Give them time, give them support and give them your patience. Be consistent and clear in what you would like them to do and make sure you help them understand the rules of the human world. They don't understand what it's all about and they'll act like dogs (because that's what they are).

Be kind and you'll be the BEST team, this will make your life together much more enjoyable.

Fancy knowing how to train your dog FASTER & BETTER?

With accuracy and without confusion?

Grab my easy 5 minute guide HERE