4 training tips for a stubborn puppy

You may be at the stage of tearing your hair out after having a new puppy because you just don’t know how to control their reckless behaviour. All dog owners have been there, but you will be pleased to know that this is all part of the puppy stage and your little one should calm down over time. If you don't know where to turn, here are a few great training tips to take control of your stubborn puppy:

1. Go slow

Although it can be highly frustrating, don’t try and rush the training process with your puppy as it is unlikely that they will pick it up the first time. Use a high-pitched voice, as dogs usually associate tone of voice with positivity or negativity. A higher tone of voice sounds much more positive than lower tones. As time progresses, you should see a slow progression if you try not to bombard them too quickly. Only give commands when necessary, if possible.

2. Choose a suitable environment

Dogs won’t learn a great deal if they are surrounded by distractions. If you plan on making the best of training your stubborn puppy, ensure that there are no major off-putting objects or scenarios that could affect your dog's concentration levels; for instance food or other animals.

3. Be consistent

Always ensure that your training sessions are kept up on a regular basis. If you leave it a few weeks without following up what you have already taught, your puppy will be likely to forget what they have been taught. Also, ensure that all family members are giving the same set of commands in case there are any contradictions which could cause confusion.

4. Use treats

If your puppy won’t follow your commands after a few attempts, use treats as a motive. Hold them tightly in your hand so that your dog can sniff the goodies, then give your command and wait for them to respond. As soon as they do as they are told, give the treat immediately so they associate that command with the action.

If you would like to browse our wide range of dog healthcare and training tips, please browse the rest of the website.

Also check out our blog post on how to prepare for your new dog here.

If you're interested to find out about the products in stock please have a look at our shop.

Also in SmugPets Blog

What happens if you don’t walk your dog?

The majority of people fantasise about welcoming a dog into their family. But it’s important to remember that your four-legged friend will need a lot of walks if he’s to live a happy life alongside you. In fact, experts recommend that canines should be taken for a decent-length stroll at least once a day – and some larger breeds can even benefit from being taken out several times a day. Just in case you don’t know, skipping walks could have an extremely detrimental effect on your pooch. Here are four common issues experienced among dogs who don't get enough exercise:

3 ways to break your dog's bad habits

It can be difficult to break your dog’s bad habits – especially when they reach a more mature age. However, it’s not impossible. If your pooch has got into a problematic pattern, it’s never too late to change the way they act. With this in mind, here are three bad habits that your pet can exhibit and three ways to combat them once and for all.

Eco-Friendly Dog Waste bags to be won each month!

We are so excited to announce our first Instagram competition! Do you want to have the opportunity to win one year supply of our very popular SmugPets Premium Scented Eco-Friendly Dog Waste Bags? Keep reading! ⭐We're picking FIVE lucky winners this month!!⭐⁣ Read the rules to enter here.