What Is the Best Age to Start Training My Dog?

Every dog owner dreams of the perfect dog that obeys commands, is potty-trained, and can behave well around kids and strangers. Unfortunately, owning a dog isn’t always that easy. You may have to take some steps to train your dog to behave how you like. If you just got a new puppy, you should expect random barking, potty accidents, chewing, nipping, and other issues that come with growing. However, they should show signs of developing a more steady routine and learning some commands after being home for several weeks. Although we recommend training your pup as early as possible, you can have your dog trained no matter how old they are. All you have to do is follow the training guidelines provided below to help your puppy grow into the pet you desire. Want additional information on dog training? You can discover this info here.

Patience And Consistency

The puppy training process can be pretty challenging and frustrating, especially if you are doing it for the first time. It is crucial to understand that your puppy is no different from a baby; they are new to this world and are bound to make several mistakes before they figure things out. You must be patient enough to foster good communication between you and your puppy before they can show any significant progress.

You can help fasten the training period by being consistent from the get-go. The easiest way to do this is by setting up a schedule that incorporates all your puppy’s daily activities, including nap times, training sessions, playtimes, and feeding sessions. A steady daily routine builds a sense of safety in confidence in your puppy, making them more amenable to training and good behavior.

Reward-Based Training

Reward-based training is one of the oldest and most effective puppy training methods. It involves offering your furry friend high-value treats or toys as a reward for good behavior. Although some may view this as “bribing” your dog, it is an excellent way to cultivate confidence in your pup, present yourself as a dependable leader and offer a positive experience that they can relate to obedience or any other milestone.

Practice Makes Perfect

It is best to manage your expectations when going into puppy training. Your pup may not show signs of grasping what you are trying to teach until several weeks into training, while some catch on pretty quickly. The secret lies in scheduling several training sessions each day so you can practice their new commands as often as necessary.

Young pups can hold their attention for up to 10 minutes, while older dogs may be able to concentrate for up to 15 minutes. Scheduling training sessions during mealtime is a great way to make your dog earn their meal by practicing a few commands. These sessions should be short and sweet, so your pup looks forward to them every day.

Some dog owners prefer changing locations and scenery to “spice things up,” but we recommend waiting until your pup has completed their vaccination routine. Changing locations ensures that your puppy behaves appropriately and follows your commands irrespective of whether at home or in public.

Puppy Training Schedule

Puppy training can begin as early as 8 to 10 weeks of age; most dog owners bring home their pups at this age. Your puppy is still pretty young and learning their name, how to socialize, some simple commands and good manners around the house. Some of the most basic training aspects to start with include:

• Potty Training

You can start potty training as soon as you bring your pup home. All you need to do is add potty training to their schedule and you can teach them how to hold it and where to go. The best way to determine how long your dog can go between potty breaks is by dividing their age in months by two.

• Crate Training

If you want an independent puppy that doesn’t exhibit signs of separation anxiety, you must perform crate training as soon as possible. Your pup should be able to tell between mealtime, playtime and crate time.

You may also have to teach your pup name recognition and socialization but these shouldn’t worry you at all. If your schedule does not allow for puppy training at home, you can sign your puppy up for specialized training near you. You may have to part with a few bucks but it is well worth it.