Puppy Training - The Importance of Early Puppy Training

Is your puppy running rampant through the house?

Every time you turn your back, is another shoe destroyed?

If so, do not worry. It just means that it is time for some puppy training. 

How cute are puppies? Very cute, right! They are such sweet bundles of fur. They are full of fun, daring, and adventure. 

But it is less fun when they pay no attention to anything you say, and use your new rug as a toilet and chew toy all in one go. 

Accidents do happen and definitely WILL happen, which is ok, but they need to learn from those accidents. 

You have brought them into your home, which is now their home, but it is your job to teach them the house rules. What is ok, and what isn't. Otherwise, how will they know? 

Training your dog is very important so that it can lead to a happy and safe life. It needs to know boundaries, it needs to know how to behave around humans, and it needs to know how to behave around other dogs. 

So when is a good time to start dog training?

Answer – as soon as possible!

All babies, from all species, are like sponges. It is the time when they learn the most. It is a survival instinct; they must understand what they can and cannot do. So obedience training isn't you being boring and a killjoy. It is a way for you to provide valuable education for your fur baby. So it knows how to act in the big wide world. 

The pack

For the first 12 weeks or so, the puppy will learn most things from their parents, brothers, sisters, and other household dogs. They will learn how to feed, when to provide when to play, how to play, and quiet time. It may look like they are just messing around, but they are learning, even if they only appear to be wrestling or sucking on a sister's paw. 

Try not to get involved in this too much. If the mother is laying down the law to the puppy, let it play out. There is a reason the mother is doing it. Just be around to make sure it doesn't go too far. 

Dogs do not speak like humans, but they do communicate with each other. So let other dogs teach the puppy how to behave around other dogs in the home. Boundaries of behavior are not just about where it can pee and poop. 

The bigger pack

The humans of the house are also part of the pack. So let the dogs teach the puppies how dogs should behave and where they are in the dog social standings. Then you teach them how to act in the human world. 

You can start your dog training in the first 12 weeks. They need to begin to realize that the humans of the house need to listen too. So you do need to establish a leadership role early. 

You should be able to teach puppies basic commands like stay and sit. Teaching it some fun tricks is also a good idea, rewarding the puppy with treats for good behavior. This lays the foundations for later when you have more serious training to do. 

Just don't try anything too complicated; they are still finding their coordination, focus, and stamina. 

Homes can be a noisy and possibly scary place for dogs of all ages but especially puppies. So slowly get them used to everyday noises, sights, and smells, like the TV, Hoover, and Washing machine. 

Just as important is that you are a respectful leader. It is their home, too, so if they appear tired, grouchy, or grumpy. Then leave them to it, give them a space in the house where they can sleep or retreat too if they want to be alone. If a dog is tired, yet you are trying to make it play, it is your fault if it nips you. That is them giving you a warning and saying, "get lost, I am tired." 

The wider world

As soon as you can get them outside for a walk, small distances on soft ground to begin with as you have to let their paws, muscles, and joints develop naturally. 

Getting them outside allows them to meet other dogs and other humans. They may love getting a fuss when grandpa comes around the house, but they need to learn that all humans aren't grandpa. They need to know that not all other dogs want to play, and some may be reactive or aggressive. 

Also, they need to get used to all the sights and smells of the outside world. It will be very tiring for them physically and mentally, but you need to get them used to the real world. So they don't get scared. 

Giving them the chance to experience a whole range of situations will help them develop a well-rounded personality. 

Professionals 

Eventually, obedience classes are the right way for you to ensure you have to give the dog the best training possible. It is also an excellent place for them to socialize with other dogs, especially if the puppy is the only dog in your house. 

There are some options where people will come to your house to start training early. However, it would help if you prepared classes you have to go to attend. You will likely have to wait until the initial vaccinations for done. So this leaves quite a bit of time for them to pick up bad habits and behavioral issues. So it is essential you establish your training plan too. 

After all, it is easier for everyone if the puppy behaves well from the start rather than trying to correct bad behavior later. 

Having a puppy in the house is your choice, so take the time to make sure the early months of a dog's life is a safe environment but also one of learning. 

A well-trained puppy with experiences of a wide range of situations will be a more happy and well-rounded adult dog. 

Any fur parent's aim should be to give a dog the best possible life, and training is an integral part.