Best time to start training your puppy

If you are wondering the best time to start training your puppy, this is the post for you! With over 15 years of puppy training experience, I am confident I will have some basic tips to help you start.

WHEN SHOULD I START TRAINING MY NEW PUPPY?

The answer to this question is quite simple! The minute you bring your new puppy home, an 8-week-old puppy can quickly learn to sit, lay down, and stay with some consistency. Your new puppy will become your best friend overnight. Once they are no longer with their siblings, you are their entire world. They will want to please you and make you happy! For puppies, training is like a game, and when they do what you ask, they become overjoyed with your positive response.

WHAT IS THE "IMPRINTING STAGE"?

The imprinting stage with puppies is a critical time in their life. During this phase, their brains are like sponges, absorbing every bit of information in their environment. This period only lasts from 6 to 16 weeks old, so it is of utmost importance to make the most of this time. Puppies have the unique ability to learn at an accelerated pace during this stage, and it is essential to ensure that they receive proper training and socialization during this period. The imprinting stage is a crucial window of opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime. Therefore, it is essential to be attentive and proactive in providing a positive and enriching environment for your puppy during this critical time. By doing so, your pup can be set up for a lifetime of success and happiness. Remember, puppies grow up fast, so seize the opportunity to make the most of this impressionable stage.

WHY IS PUPPY TRAINING BETWEEN 8-12 WEEKS SO IMPORTANT?

Puppies have a crucial “socialization” window between 8-12 weeks during which they need to be socialized and exposed to the outside world. If this is not done properly, your puppy could become more timid, scared or anxious to new things in its environment. It is important to note that your puppy will not be fully vaccinated at this point, so you will need to exercise caution with where you take the puppy. The puppy can be around other dogs if you know they are healthy and up to date on their shots. Avoid letting your puppy around dogs you do not know at the vet’s office, pet stores, etc. If you have friends or family that have another dog that is healthy and up to date on their shots, that would be a great place to take your puppy. Exposing your puppy to new sights, sounds, smells, car rides, friends’ houses, etc., are all great ways to socialize your puppy between 8-12 weeks.

IMPORTANT TRAINING TIP!

You should never allow any behavior now that you do not want when your puppy is full grown. It is often easy to let some things slide when your puppy is little, but try and remember that those behaviors will not be as cute in a few months!

1. If you do not want your dog to jump up on people, make sure they are always sitting in front of you when they greet you or when they want attention. Do not reward your puppy with attention until they are sitting calmly in front of you.

2. If you do not want your dog to beg at the table, never feed him food from the table. Always give any table food after dinner is done and always put it directly in their bowl.

3. If you do not want your dog to sleep on your bed or furniture as an adult, then do not sit with them on the furniture when they are puppies!

REMEMBER – THIS IS THEIR IMPRINTING STAGE AND WHAT YOU DO NOW MATTERS!

WHAT COMMANDS SHOULD I START TRAINING MY PUPPY WITH?

The best commands to start with are the ones you will be using every single day!

Name
Sit
Down
Come
Go outside or Go poddy
Leave it or No
Wait
Stay

ALWAYS STAY CONSISTENT!

The most important thing to remember when starting your puppy training journey, is to stay consistent! Puppies thrive with consistency and can become confused and frustrated if you are not. So whatever you decide to do, just stick with it and you will be amazed how quickly your puppy will learn.