Tip 4:Teaching Basic Commands and Handling

From a young age, it’s good to start teaching your dog simple commands like sit, stay and come as this will give them structure and safety.

 

Make sure to use clear, consistent cues and always reward good behaviour. Saying ‘come’ once and then chasing your puppy when they don’t respond will teach them the wrong thing, so always encourage them to come to you happily and willingly.

 

By teaching sit and recall training and using rewards and consistency, you’ll be giving your canine companion the very best start.

 

It’s also really important to get your puppy or kitten used to being handled from an early age.

 

Do this by gently touching your pet’s paws, ears and mouth. For kittens this can include very gently touching their tail.

 

This will pay dividends for vet visits and grooming later on, ensuring it’s not a stressful experience for your pet or you.

 

However, for cats, little and often handling is better.

 

Short, positive grooming sessions with a soft brush and a small treat can help your kitten associate the experience with something enjoyable.

 

As they settle into your home, it can also be a good idea to keep a cat carrier out so they see it as a normal, safe space rather than something that only appears at vet visit time.

 

Tip 5: Preventing Unwanted Behaviours

Our young pets are naturally curious, so sometimes that can mean chewing the wrong thing or scratching or digging where they’re not supposed to.

 

If your pet starts chewing something they shouldn’t, redirect them to an appropriate toy and praise them when they use it.

 

Never punish, just show them the right alternative. This is so important.

 

Make sure you have safe chew toys for your puppy and scratching posts for your kitten so they can explore their natural behaviours in a positive way.

 

A bored young pet can easily slip into destructive habits, so always make sure you’ve got plenty of interactive toys, puzzle feeders and games to keep them occupied.

 

As your pup grows, introducing search games - both indoors and out - with suitable, tasty dog treats can be a good move too.

 

Tip 6: Keep Training Positive and Build a Bond

Above all, it’s important to remember that training your pet is not just about teaching them commands, it’s about building trust and a strong bond with them.

 

You can do this by always being consistent, kind and patient with your pet’s training.

 

Shouting, scolding or using punishment will damage trust and can lead to anxiety or a whole host of behavioural issues.

 

Recognise, that just like us, our pets have good days and more challenging ones.

 

So, if training isn’t going well, take a break and try again later.

 

Remember, training a young pet is a journey, not a race. Our animal companions learn at their own pace, so be patient and celebrate those small wins.

 

Even the smallest is a step in the right direction.

 

Enjoy the process with your pet, be consistent and always focus on positive reinforcement.

 

By following the advice of trusted UK pet and vet professionals, you’ll set your pet up for a happy, well-behaved and confident life, as well as strengthening the bond between you. A perfect combination.

 

For more advice on training and behaviour check out:

• RSPCA: www.rspca.org.uk

• Dogs Trust: www.dogstrust.org.uk

• Cats Protection: www.cats.org.uk

• PDSA: www.pdsa.org.uk

• Blue Cross: www.bluecross.org.uk

• Battersea: www.battersea.org.uk

 

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