Molly Stone, animal behavior specialist for the Wake County SPCA, shared these tips on how to train your puppy.

• Every interaction is an opportunity for your puppy to learn.
• Socialize your puppy around lots of other people and dogs.
• Remember that puppies repeat the behaviors that are the most rewarding.
• Remember that learning requires pattern recognition, so be consistent!
• Be trustworthy and benevolent. Puppies cannot learn well when they’re frightened.
• Give your puppy a good reason to comply with your requests. “Because-I-said-so” is usually not good enough.
• Make a list of your puppy’s five favorite things, and use those as training rewards. Rewards work best when they’re things puppies really value.
• Accentuate the positive. Take advantage of every opportunity to praise your puppy for getting it right.
• Make sure your expectations are realistic, and avoid trying to teach too much at once.
• Set your puppy up to succeed in every situation.