Do you have a new furry addition to your family? Well, then this blog post is just for you! As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to ensure that your puppy learns the essential skills from an early age. By teaching them these three must-have skills now, you will be setting them up for success in their future. So grab a pen and paper, and let’s dive into the 3 skills EVERY puppy NEEDS to learn now!

Title: 3 Skills EVERY Puppy NEEDS To Learn Now!

Introduction:
Congratulations on welcoming a new furry friend into your life! Owning a puppy is a joyous experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of training them properly. In this article, we will discuss three essential skills that every puppy needs to learn. By mastering these skills early on, you’ll set the foundation for a well-behaved and happy canine companion.

Skill 1: Sit
Is there anything more adorable than a puppy sitting obediently? Teaching your puppy to sit not only impresses your friends but also lays the groundwork for other commands. Follow these steps to train your puppy to sit:

1. Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose and move it upward, causing their head to elevate.
2. As your puppy’s head goes up, their bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position.
3. Once your puppy sits, immediately reward them with the treat and praise them enthusiastically.

Pro Tip: Use the command “Sit” while performing the action so that your puppy associates the word with the behavior. Practice this command during short training sessions to reinforce the behavior.

Skill 2: Stay
Teaching your puppy to stay is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. Follow these steps to train your puppy to stay:

1. Begin with your puppy in a sitting position.
2. Open your hand and show your palm towards your puppy while giving the command “Stay.”
3. Take a small step backward, but keep your hand poised in the “stop” position.
4. If your puppy stays in position, immediately reward them with treats and additional praise.
5. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay as your puppy becomes more proficient.

Pro Tip: Use a release cue like “Okay” to indicate the end of the “stay” command. This cue helps your puppy learn when they are free to move and reinforces their understanding of the command.

Skill 3: Come
Teaching your puppy to come when called is a vital skill for their safety, especially when off-leash. Follow these steps to train your puppy to come:

1. Start in an enclosed space where there are minimal distractions.
2. Get down to your puppy’s level and excitedly call their name followed by the command “Come.”
3. Use a happy and welcoming tone and encourage them with treats.
4. When your puppy comes to you, reward them with treats and praise.

Pro Tip: Never scold your puppy if they don’t come immediately. Instead, stay patient and make yourself more enticing by using high-value treats or toys. Positive reinforcement is the key to successful recall training.

Conclusion:
Congratulations! You now have the necessary knowledge to train your puppy with three essential skills – sit, stay, and come. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential for effective training. Don’t forget to practice these skills in different settings and gradually increase the level of distractions. As you work on these skills, remember to tailor your training methods to your puppy’s unique personality and learning style. By investing time and effort into their training, you are setting your puppy up for a lifetime of happiness and obedience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I train my puppy using these skills at any age?
   Yes, puppies are capable of learning at any age, but early training sets the foundation for their behavior.

2. What should I do if my puppy doesn’t respond to training?
   If your puppy doesn’t respond to training, try to identify any potential distractions or modify your training method. Patience and consistency are key.

3. How often should I practice these skills with my puppy?
   Consistency is crucial, so aim for several short training sessions per day. Keep the sessions fun and engaging for your puppy.

4. Are there any other skills I should focus on?
   These three skills are foundational, but other important skills include leash walking, potty training, and socialization.

5. Can I seek professional help for training my puppy?
   Absolutely! If you need personalized assistance or want to attend in-person training sessions, reach out to McCann Dogs at 905-659-1888.

Remember, training your puppy requires time and effort, but the bond and well-behaved companion you’ll have as a result are worth it. Enjoy the journey of teaching these essential skills to your furry friend!

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