The First 30 Days: Dog Training Essentials

Bringing a new dog home is exciting, but the first 30 days are critical for establishing rules, boundaries, and a bond. Consistency is the golden rule of dog training.

1. Potty Training 101

• Schedule: Take them out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed.
• High Praise: When they go outside, throw a party. Treats, "Good dog!", lots of excitement.
• No Punishment: If accidents happen inside, clean it up without a fuss. Punishing after the fact only confuses them.

2. Basic Commands: The Big Three

• Sit: The foundation of impulse control.
• Stay: Essential for safety (e.g., preventing them from bolting out the door).
• Recall (Come): potentially life-saving. always reward a successful recall, never use it to punish.

3. Crate Training

A crate is not a cage; it's a safe den.

• Make it comfortable with blankets.
• Feed meals in the crate to create positive associations.
• Never use the crate as punishment.

4. Socialization

Exposing your dog to new people, places, and sounds in a positive way is crucial, especially for puppies.

• Controlled Meetings: Don't just throw them into a dog park. Start with one-on-one playdates.
• Positive Reinforcement: Pair scary new things (like garbage trucks or vacuums) with high-value treats.

Conclusion

Training takes patience. There will be good days and bad days. But putting in the work now will result in a well-behaved, confident, and happy member of the family for years to come.