Training
Bonding With Puppy
Building a Lifelong Connection with Your Pup
Creating a strong bond with your Wonderful Woofie involves more than just love and cuddles. It’s a blend of socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, and, yes, training too. Socializing them with new faces and places helps them grow confident. Physical activity tackles their boundless energy, while brain games keep them mentally sharp. Obedience training not only instills good behavior but also strengthens your connection.
All these elements come together to create a happy, healthy relationship with your pup. Curious about what we do to prep them before you take them home? Check out our Enrichment & Socialization page.
To learn more about bond-based training, check out Love is All You Need by Jennifer Arnold. In this groundbreaking, persuasive, and heartfelt book, Arnold shows us how every dog — no matter their age — can thrive through Bond-Based Choice Teaching.
9 Essential Tips for House Training a Puppy
Follow these tips to lay the groundwork for a well-trained and joyful pup. For even more training advice, check out our New Puppy FAQs.
1) Keep to a Schedule — Consistency is Key
Create a regular routine for your puppy, including meal times, walks, and potty breaks. Consistency helps your pup understand what to expect, making training easier.
2) Designate a Potty Area
Select a specific spot in your yard or nearby for your puppy to do their business. Consistency is key, so always take your pup to the same spot.
3) Signal By Using Cue Words
Choose specific cue words like “go potty” or “pee” to signal to your puppy it’s time to go. Be consistent in using these phrases to avoid confusion.
4) Positive Reinforcement — Treats and Praise
Always praise your puppy and offer a treat after they successfully go in the designated potty area. Positive reinforcement makes the learning process quicker and more enjoyable for your pup.
5) Handling Oops Moments
Accidents will happen. When they do, refrain from scolding. Instead, quietly clean up and continue to encourage good behavior.
6) Handling the Dark Hours
Young pups might not make it through the night without a potty break. If needed, set an alarm for a quick midnight outing.
7) Feeding Time
Feed your puppy at the same times every day. A consistent diet helps regulate their digestive system, making potty training more predictable.
8) Watch for Signs
Keep an eye on your pup, especially during the early days. Look for signs that they need to go potty, like sniffing, circling, or whining — and take them outside immediately.
9) Crate Training — Safe Space and Routine
A crate can be a helpful tool in house training. It provides your pup with a safe space and can be used to control their environment when you’re not around to supervise. Make sure to let them out for potty breaks and playtime regularly.
Obedience Training
Creating a Balanced Relationship Through
Obedience training is about more than just teaching commands. It’s a way to establish your leadership and build a strong, respectful relationship with your pup. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they look for cues from a leader. When you provide that leadership through training, your dog feels more secure and behaves better.
Learning basics like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” makes both your life and your dog’s life easier and safer. Plus, a well-trained dog is more enjoyable to be around, opening up opportunities for social activities and fun outings. So don’t overlook this essential step. Obedience training is a win-win for you and your new furry friend, laying the foundation for a happy, well-balanced life together.
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Playtime
Enjoying Life with Your
Playtime with your new pup is more than just fun and games — it’s the start of a lifelong friendship. From tail wags to joyful leaps and those adorable happy dances, each moment adds a new chapter to your bond. So toss that squeaky toy, go on adventures, and relish the cuddles and the peaceful moments. Life with your new pup is a joyful ride that brings a unique kind of magic to everyday life.
