National Pet Month - ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO TRAINING YOUNG PETS: PART 1

Firstly, please remember that training your young pet is as much about building a bond with your companion animal as it is about teaching good behaviour.

By taking these simple steps, you will be setting your pet up for success and helping to avoid any bad habits setting in later on.

In part 1 we look at early training, toilet training and socialisation.

Tip 1: Start Training Early, But Make It Fun!

Young pets learn fast, so the earlier you introduce positive training, the better. Whether it’s sit, stay and recall for a puppy or litter tray training for a kitten, the key is to keep it fun and reward-based.

Try using short, engaging training sessions. Just five minutes at a time is ideal for puppies and can still have a really positive effect.

Remember that all training should be positive and reward-based, avoiding any punishment or harsh corrections.

Use tiny treats, toy or praise to reinforce good behaviour.

For example, if your puppy sits when asked, reward them immediately so they associate the action with something positive.

If you have a new kitten, there are several things you can do to encourage them to use their scratching post instead of your sofa!

Although we know scratching is a natural cat activity, if you want to stop furniture taking a hit, put the scratching post near your kitten’s favourite resting spot.

Cats often stretch and scratch after waking up, so having it nearby should reduce the chances of damaged sofas.

Sturdy scratching posts for the win. Tall enough for your kitten to stretch out when they use it, and not wobbly as they may lose interest. You could even rub a bit of catnip on the post or use a toy to encourage play and interaction with it.

If your feline starts scratching the wrong thing, calmly redirect them to the post. Maybe even drag a toy along it to encourage play.

When they get it right, praise them and reward with fuss and tasty treats (in moderation, of course).

Tip 2: Be Patient With Toilet Training

Toilet training is one of the first big hurdles with a young pet, so don’t rush things. Every pet learns at their own pace.

Your pet is arriving in a new, unfamiliar environment with so many sights, sounds, smells and places to explore. It’s a lot for a pet to take in!

With this in mind, accept that accidents will happen.

If they do, stay calm, clean up with a pet-safe cleaner and always focus on rewarding the right behaviour next time.

Take your puppy outside every couple of hours, particularly after eating, drinking, playing or waking up.

For kittens, place their litter tray in a quiet, accessible spot and clean it regularly to encourage good habits.

Tip 3: Socialisation: The More Experiences, The Better

Socialisation is vital for your young pet. The first few months of their life shape how they react to new people, other animals and different environments.

To ensure your puppy grows up to be a confident, well behaved and happy canine companion, expose them to lots of different sights, sounds and experiences early on, but remember this needs to happen at their pace.

There are many stores, pubs, garden centres and other venues that welcome dogs, so take advantage of this and go on an adventure together (when your pup is fully vaccinated, of course).

For kittens, gradual introductions to new people and environments are key so that your young feline feels safe and secure.

Just like puppies, kittens are naturally curious, but they can also be a little more cautious in new situations.

So, to help them feel safe and confident, set up a quiet, safe space. This could be a separate room with their bed, litter tray, food and clean water, where they can settle in.

It can be a good move to gradually introduce them to new rooms one at a time rather than giving them full access to your home straight away.

Let them explore on their terms and come to you when they’re ready.

Keep their environment as calm and quiet as you can and when they’re meeting new people, let them come to the visitor. This avoids overwhelming your young cat. Treats and gentle play can also help.

Never force interactions between a kitten and a human or another pet. Be patient and use positive reinforcement to help build cat confidence.

Look out for more top tips on puppy and kitten training coming soon!