Welcome to Puppy Parenthood
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exhilarating and joyous time. There is a wealth of information available on topics such as potty training, socialization, crate training, and more. I understand the excitement and anticipation that new puppy owners feel amidst the overwhelming amount of opinions and information that they have to sort through on what’s best for their pup.
There is one topic related to training that I would like to address—the difference between Puppy Training at Home on your Own vs. Deciding to Hire a Trainer.
Many of us enter new ventures feeling confident that we will figure it out. Puppy ownership is no different; many well-intentioned clients say, “How hard can this be?” Then this adorable fur ball enters, and you realize this is going to take a lot of consistency and patience! But with clear goals and established routines, you can navigate this journey with confidence and control.
Home Puppy Training: What You Need to Know
For a client who has the time and flexibility to commit to training, the information is readily available. The most successful owners have predictable routines, are structured, and have experienced puppyhood before. The most challenging homes are those with children, extracurricular activities throughout the week, fluctuating bedtimes, and traveling work schedules. It doesn’t mean your puppy won’t be successful, but puppies thrive in a structured environment during the crate and potty training season, so it might seem inconsistent with their progress. With the right approach and commitment, even in these situations, the first six months can be a rewarding and successful journey.
Why We Don’t Recommend Board & Train for Puppies
For a young puppy between the ages of 8 weeks-6 months, I never advise sending your pup to a Board and Train Program. Some training places promise you a fully potty-trained and obedient pup, but I compare it to teaching a toddler algebra!? It’s not practical or fair!
We need to adjust our expectations and reevaluate our milestones to ensure our puppies achieve lifelong success and maximize the value of your training investment.
A puppy between 8 weeks and 28 weeks needs to be bonding with their new family. They have left their mom and littermates, and this is a very vulnerable time for them. Additionally, pups younger than 4 months who haven’t completed their vaccinations can be at risk if they are around a kennel or random dogs. Your primary focus points should be crate training, potty training, manners, and establishing a routine. Your pup needs you to be a leader and have a controlled environment in which they can thrive.
Learning How to Learn
Initiate teaching your pup the fun of learning by luring them with treats, creating the foundations of a retrieve game, and having positive experiences. That should be your goal for this age frame. Subscribe to my free puppy videos to help guide you. These are a good reference until your pups are old enough to consider if formal training is the best option for your family.
Knowing When It’s Time to Hire a Trainer
Once your pup is over six months old, developing a strong work ethic and purpose can be fostered through reliable obedience training. Understanding the temperament and personality of your dog as they move into the “teenage” stage is essential for long-term success in your family. This phase is when many pet owners begin to seriously consider sending their dogs to a Board and Train Program.
Achieving a higher level of obedience requires consistency and the ability to resist distractions that challenge your dog. Reliable obedience training fosters leadership with your pup, which involves setting clear boundaries, being consistent with rules, and understanding your dog’s needs for healthy outlets. Having a trainer instill those critical skills into the foundation of a young dog will lead to a happier and more fulfilled life with your dog.
Can You Train Your Puppy Alone? Yes—But Should You?
Of course, but in my 20 years of doing our Full Service Training Program, owners already have so much on their plates and readily admit they know their dog is capable of so much more. Sending your young dog to a passionate training facility with decades of proven results allows your dog to learn in high-distraction environments under the guidance of experts who understand dog behavior every step of the way. This process ensures your dog is the best version they can be! This model also allows you to learn how to handle a trained dog, rather than having to learn how to train dogs and then try to train your own.
A reputable trainer will stand behind their commitment to training your dog, having multiple lessons with owners to transfer the training, and most importantly, will be the best coach in your dog’s life.
Ready to Train with Confidence?
As you navigate the long-term goals you have with your dog and your lifestyle, The Doghouse is here to help advise in whatever training decisions are best.
Not sure what training approach is best for your puppy? Contact The Dog House LLC today for expert guidance.
