Every dog owner wants their pup to grow into an intelligent and well-behaved adult dog. But many bad habits start at puppyhood. Training is not only obedience skills but also the development of intellectual abilities. So it is a big mistake to think that small dogs don't need walks and training. Consider that ill-bred small dogs are the ones that often bite their owner's family members or provoke dog fights. Thus, to avoid such troubles, you should learn essential life skills to teach your dog described in this article.

#1 Come Command

The "come" command is one of the most important aspects of puppy training. Call your pet in as cheerful and friendly a tone as possible. Also, you can lure a dog with a toy or treat. Never hit the puppy with your hand or foot because only pleasant moments should be associated with the owner. If the puppy is timid or confused, you can squat down — no need to hover over a puppy or an adult small breed dog.

As long as the "come to me" isn't automatic, it's best not to let your puppy off the leash during a walk. Instead, bring a treat when you walk and give your pet plenty of it when your pup comes up to you at this command. It helps you greatly when your teenage puppy enters the transition age range.

#2 No Command

If you want to ban something from your adult dog, it should be immediately forbidden from your puppy. For example, don't take your whiny puppy to bed in the first few days if he's not allowed to sleep there regularly. Instead, help him sleep in a comfortable spot beside the bed with a towel smelling his mum (ask the breeder to do it beforehand). This way, your pup will quickly calm down. 

Someone put a mechanical alarm clock wrapped in cloth (beats like a mother's heart) or a hot water bottle. And to ensure that the baby sleeps soundly, you can feed him before going to bed with meat. If he's still whimpering, it's best to sit with him until your pup falls asleep. If you want to learn even more tricks to calm a small puppy, you can use the Top Writing Reviews website, where you can find an expert who provides you with all the information you need on this topic.

#3 Place Command

Be sure to teach your puppy the "place" command since a baby usually falls asleep in the place where he was previously playing or eating. So take the puppy in your arms and carry him to his bed. Then gently pet the baby and repeat the "place" command. Never disturb your pup if he falls asleep, and don't take away a toy or treat. The dog bed is your puppy's territory.

It's convenient for the owner to accustom the puppy to the carrier or cage. First, remove the door, and put the puppy's bedding, toy, and treat in the carrier. Let the pup go in and out. Then slowly close him in the cage for a few minutes while giving him a treat. Many dogs sleep in a carrier or cage because it's similar to a burrow and feel safe and secure. Also, you can cover the cage with a thick blanket or make a particular case for it.

#4 Sit Command

Nothing is more accessible than teaching your pet the "sit" command. First, if you know what to do (and you'll realize it exactly after reading this article): hold a treat in front of the pup's head, wait when a baby flops down on his butt, and then say the "sit" command. Immediately give your dog a treat and pet him. 

After that, increase the time while the puppy sits still for a few seconds. Next, try sitting him down before placing a bowl of food in front of your dog. Finally, sit him down before you tie the leash to the collar. And after a walk, sit your pup at the door until you wipe his paws.

#5 Proper Behavior With Other Dogs and Cats

Teaching your puppy to respond calmly to other dogs, cats, pigeons, and other animals is essential. It would help if you didn't encourage the instinct to chase cats because a dog can get hit by a car or get lost during a chase. In addition, some cats and dogs can be highly aggressive. Only let puppies of the same size or non-aggressive adult dogs of your acquaintance play. 

Don't grab the puppy suddenly in your arms because an aggressive dog may try to snatch the puppy from your arms and could injure not only the pup but you. Also, it would help if you didn't allow strangers to pet or feed your dog. All dog owners should know these top written tips. However, if you are studying to become a canine trainer, you should use the Rated by Students website, where you can get much more information from experienced experts in the field. 

#6 Toilet

As much as you want your puppy to do his business outside, they can't do it until about three months of age so that he may pee in different places for physiological reasons. In this case, you should put a diaper or cloth in the areas where he pees most often. Next, moisten a paper towel in his puddle and place it on the diaper. Also, it would help if you took your pup for a walk as often as possible. Finally, praise your doggie when he has done his deals outside, and don't forget to clean up after your dog.

#7 Hygiene Routines

Your puppy needs to be accustomed to all hygiene routines. These include cleaning eyes and ears, dental examinations, brushing, and claw trimming. With all these manipulations, especially with the help of kindness and treats, it's effortless to train a puppy. For example, puppies' claws are soft and easy to clip. If you do it once every one or two weeks, in the future, the dog won't be afraid of claw clipping, and your furniture will remain intact.

Brushing should also be pleasant for the baby. A rubber mitt or a brush made of natural bristles will be the best fit. If the dog is small or belongs to trimming or shearing breeds, it should be taught to stand on the table from puppyhood. This skill will be handy when visiting the groomer and a dog show.

A woman giving a dog a kiss in the bath

#8 Bathing

It’s also easier to get your puppy used to washing than an adult dog. To do this, you need to put a rubber mat in the bathtub, draw some warm water and then pour the baby from a bottle with warm water (in the first stages, it is better not to use shampoo). After completing the bath, wipe the puppy with a towel. Later, accustom the doggie to low-pressure showers and blow-drying (on the minimum mode). 

Conclusion 

Remember that if you teach your puppy these simple commands and skills at an early age, by the time he's nine months old, the doggie will unconditionally obey his owner. Moreover, it'll be easier for the puppy to learn more advanced and specialized skills later in life. But it would help if you started with the simplest but essential commands. And it would be best if you also had a lot of patience, but your efforts will be more than paid off in the future.