Behavior is learned. Whether it is your puppy, your children, or your spouse, behavior is a learned set of responses to a particular situation. When you are dealing with a puppy, teaching your puppy early will help make your puppy a wonderful addition to your family. Without training your puppy at all, you'll have a dog that is difficult to walk, requires a crate when left home alone, and is basically impossible to manage when other people are around. If you want to be a responsible dog owner, you need to train your puppy so that it knows how to behave in your home and out in public for the rest of its life. 

The Basics

Your puppy will need to learn how to walk on a leash, so it's important to start this right away. Take your puppy for short walks around the neighborhood, and stay in control of how fast the walk is going. Don't allow your puppy to pull on the leash and determine the walking speed. You may even have to stop the walk numerous times, telling your puppy to stop. Your puppy needs to know that you are in control, not them. If you want to be able to enjoy walks with your dog on a regular basis, you have to train them how to walk with you properly.

Puppy Training Classes

If you are new to owning a puppy, the best thing you can do for both you and your pet is to enroll in a puppy training class. This class is just as much for you as it is for your new addition. Together you will learn how to get your puppy to listen to your commands, developing a bond that both of you can trust while you are at it. A class will help you establish your role in your puppy's life, and that is the role of owner.

Unwanted Behavior

If you come home to torn up couch cushions, yelling at your puppy isn't going to do any good. While you can try crating your puppy during the day to solve the problem temporarily, you have to look at why your puppy tore up the cushions in the first place. Were they looking for food? Were they bored? Were they stressed out? While they aren't going to be able to answer you, it's important to consider why a behavior may have occurred so you can address the underlying problem.