I must have been asked this very simple question more times than I care to remember so lets cut to the chase.
In this example we will use reward based training for your puppy.
These techniques will also work with an adult dog.
* Start the training as SOON as you have bought your puppy do NOT leave it a few days and then start training.
* Remember that a puppy will have zero attention span - One minute he will be giving you those puppy dog eyes gazing at you lovingly and next he will be attacking your shoes.
* Be patient - he's just a baby.
* If you are working with an adult or older puppy/dog - remember you may be dealing with years of bad habits, and will take time to unlearn or undo these habits. Be patient while he learns your new rules.
* You may find the initial training a bit tedious - but stick with it.
Ok lets get the environment ready for the training process - SUPERVISION
* You are in charge - so get the environment right - this will tell your puppy/dog who's in charge and set the right tone. You don't want him to have the chance to practice behavior you don't want.
* If your puppy/dog never has the chance to eliminate inside you are creating a positive, consistent education environment.
* He will get into the habit of going outside to eliminate and you will reward him every-time.
* You have created the environment so it;s up to you to make sure that he never has the chance to eliminate in the House/environment.
* To prevent accidents - you need to watch him like a hawk - If you have a toy breed it won't take a second for him to pee - so I mean it watch him like a hawk.
* For every accident that your puppy/dog has inside he is practicing behavior that YOU don't want - and you are both taking a step backwards.
* Even a few seconds without supervision could set back the training process- I know it sounds daunting but it will work.
* Once you have created your environment, it will become a habit for you to watch your dog and manage the environment.
* You will be learning the routine together.
In 2nd part I will go further into the puppy training process and will introduce the crate.