Unfortunately, not really. Cats are great little pets but they're so, so different from dogs! They just won't listen to us and they'll make up their own mind as to what they want (and don't want) to do, they have a different kind of, ahm, intelligence. A baby kitten will learn to use a litter tray in about 5 minutes; a puppy can be having ‘accidents' for weeks! One thing though – kitten's normal play-behaviour is to play-bite and scratch. Don't encourage this, it can get a bit too much especially if there are children in the house. Just say no and put them down when they try and play like that.
In summary: cats are great but you'll (probably) never make yours sit!
Training your puppy
Responsible ownership involves having a well-trained dog and this training should be commenced as soon as the puppy is acquired.
Puppies are continuously learning from the moment their eyes are open and responsible breeders will ensure that the elements of training have commenced long before you acquire the puppy at 6-8 weeks of age. Remember training is not some formal process but should occur all the time you are together with your dog.
Training and socialisation are intermixed, a well socialised dog is invariably a well trained dog and vice versa. Thus puppies should be socialised. They should be handled by family members and strangers as soon as possible and then be introduced to other dogs, preferably to puppies, as soon as their inoculation programme allows.
Are you relaxed & interested yet?
Never try to train your dog until after exercise when he is more physically tired and more mentally focused and alert. If using treats, train before mealtimes when he is hungry and keener to work.
Remember though, the top tip is to reward the behaviour you want and ignore the behaviour you don’t want.
When you're ready, download and print our Training Tips Manual, authored by Mark McCorry RVN, one of our veterinary nurses with a special interest in pet behaviour and training.
Mark is always delighted to chat to you about any of your pet's behaviour issues and to go give advice on training, please feel free to contact him in the practice.
