A common question that we get is when to begin training with a new puppy. This inquiry is music to our ears because it means that the puppy owner prioritizes training for their new addition. Getting a jump-start means that you can prevent bad habits, make low training stress, develop a definite leadership role, and ensure good socialization. With that, you want to make sure that your puppy is training at an age-appropriate level.
Puppy Training: 8-12 Weeks Old
Congratulations! Your new puppy has arrived and is ready to start its journey with you. Training at this age will mainly consist of potty training, crate training, and building a relationship with your puppy. Learning to sit, down, and shake is not so important at this point, but this is the perfect time to start good habits.
Get your puppy on a feeding schedule, and try hand feeding them some of their meals. You want your puppy to have a relationship with you, not with a food bowl. This method will pay off down the road because your puppy will already have a great work ethic and a food drive towards training. You can also start encouraging your puppy to be interested in toys and be interested in playing with you.
This age is also a crucial socialization window for puppies. It would be best if you balanced out the need for this puppy to see and experience new things with a need to keep the puppy confident and safe. Only introduce your puppy to dogs that you know are vaccinated and good-natured. Ensure that when you introduce your puppy to new people, they pet them in a pleasant rather than overwhelming way. If your puppy gets nervous around loud noises, make a note of this and positively introduce these things.
Puppy Training: 12-16 Weeks
Your puppy is now old enough that they should have received the majority of their vaccinations. You can now start to bring them to more places and allow them to explore the world more. You probably have also noticed some nuisance behaviors crop up. Puppies reach more independence at this age, so you may see more wandering, barking, mouthing, and general mischief.
Teething is a roadblock in puppy training that can show up in this time frame and up to 6 months old. Puppies can be a challenge when they are trying to chew on anything within reach. Be patient with your puppy; this will pass. You can redirect your puppy onto an appropriate toy and ensure they always have access to good chews. We have found freezing toys can help ease the teething process. The cold helps soothe a teething puppy’s gums.
Puppy Training: 16-24 Weeks
Your puppy is growing in maturity with each passing day. You can begin to allow your puppy more freedom as their maturity allows. Adjust your potty training schedule to fit the needs of your puppy’s increasing bladder control. You can also start to demand more self-control once your puppy has finished teething and be more strict about mouthing.
You are approaching the window when formal training can start. We do not begin our Full-Service training program until puppies reach six months of age. This is also an ideal age because we can prevent bad habits before they begin and shape a lifetime of good behavior. If you want to send your dog at six months of age, make sure that you contact us at about the 4-month mark so that you can be sure to get onto our waiting list.
