If you want to train your puppy in the most efficient way from the start, there are two methods for training your puppy which you need to pay close attention to. They are being the pack leader and the method of positive reinforcement. Each of these methods will be explained in this article and you will see how you can use them to train your puppy dog effectively.

When you bring a puppy into your home, it’s wise to have some understanding of the natural instincts of the dog and of the fact that the dog is a pack animal. Dominance is one of the essential dynamics within a dog pack. At the top of the hierarchy within a pack of dogs is the alpha pair – a male and a female. They are the only ones allowed to breed.

The alpha dogs eat first and take a higher vantage point when sleeping. This is why dogs like to sleep in higher positions such as on a bed or sofa.

If you want to set off on the right foot and avoid behavior problems in your puppy, you absolutely must position yourself and your family as the pack leaders or alpha dogs in your home. One way to emphasise yourself as pack leader is not letting your puppy onto your bed or sofa.

At meal times for a couple of weeks at least, it’s good to get the family to eat something (like a biscuit for example) just before you give the puppy his food. Pretend that you are taking the food or biscuits from the dog’s food dish.

You need to project the right kind of energy by being calm and assertive. Closely associated with the idea of the pack leader is the concept of positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement means that you reward a desired behavior in your puppy or dog and ignore an undesired behavior. Using punishment or negative reinforcement is not accepted by most dog trainers today.

Small treats, praise and affection can all be used for positive reinforcement. It is so important that you don’t reinforce undesired behaviors in your puppy. Why do undesired dog behaviors happen? One of the most important reasons is owners reinforcing these behaviors without being aware of it. You need to be aware that training is an activity that happens whenever you are with your puppy or dog, not just when you have a specific training session.

For example, if your puppy jumps up at you when you come into a room and you give him attention and affection, you are reinforcing his “jumping up” behavior. You should ignore him whenever he engages in an undesired behavior. This means you should look away or turn away and not give any attention. You may find this difficult and this is why so many people encourage bad behaviors in their dogs.

You will find that positioning yourself as the pack leader in your home forms a bedrock for all your puppy training and positive reinforcement gives you a method to encourage the correct behaviors in your puppy and to avoid potential dog behaviour problems.

For more information on training your puppy, visit the Training Puppy Tips website.