Jolynn Payne at Rocking Paw Training and Kennels is a believer in positive reinforcement and encourages dog owners to figure out what works best for your animal. She said first and foremost it’s important to establish that your pet knows their name.
“When we are teaching our dog their name, say their name, give them a reward and use a clicker,” Payne said. “You can do that ten times a day, and when they do something naughty, don’t use their name, instead say: No Ma’am,”
She said when it comes to potty training, it’s important to know that dogs are creatures of habit.
“If you can keep count for three days, take them out every hour, after that three day period if you mark it down on a chart you will know what their pattern is as long as you aren’t free feeding them,” Payne said.
Payne said animals, just like people socialize differently and sometimes it’s not just about socializing your dog with other dogs and people but sights and sounds as well.
Other important topics to cover with your new pet are biting and jumping. Payne said to make sure your puppy is at least 8 weeks old, and that puppies teach other to stop biting. She said puppies think that jumping is a way to show excitement, but they need to be taught young that jumping on people can be dangerous.
