The training series: Training a new puppy

Tweet We all love to dote on our purrfect pets but it's important to establish a clear training regime to keep your best fur-friends calm and content. This is the first in our training series giving you the tools and advice to become an expert trainer.

To get started, we've put together some easy to follow tips for training new puppies:

Training your puppy

1. The first few days are critical to establish a routine. Don't let your puppy get into bad habits by jumping up, sleeping on your bed or going into rooms that are out of bounds.
2. Make sure your puppy feels safe and secure and you'll be rewarded with a quick response to your training efforts. Set up a small area that she can call her own, with all the home comforts to stop her missing her mum.
3. Give your puppy some breathing space. If she needs to sleep, make sure you give her the time to do so. A grumpy puppy is far more difficult to manage.
4. Set your own schedule and designate tasks to family members. Consistency in training is essential and will help your puppy become accustomed to her surroundings and avoid teething problems.
5. Be patient. Don't expect the house training process to be completed until your puppy is at least six months old. Accidents happen and over reacting will be detrimental to the process.
6. Use the paper trick. Paper your puppy's room so she gets used to toileting on a papery surface. She will gradually start to ‘go’ in only one area. At that point, reduce the paper to cover just that area. Once your puppy gets used to ‘going’ on paper you can move the paper to the location of your choice and eventually outside.
7. Avoid accidents by using the lead. Keep your puppy on a lead when she is allowed to explore the rest of the house. This close contact means your puppy can be quickly returned to her room whenever required.
8. The more time you spend with your puppy, the quicker she will be toilet trained. Take the puppy to her toilet area every time she needs to go and she will soon catch on.
9. Give rewards when they are due. When your puppy makes it to the toilet area, reward her with a treat so she associates it with good behaviour. Never punish your puppy - she is too young to understand.
10. Don’t forget to have fun! Although accidents can be frustrating, it’s important to take the time to enjoy your new family member. Give her love and she will become the heart of the family.