A common question from dog owners is, “When should I start training my dog?” According to Boise Board and Train professionals, there is no simple answer to this. The right time to start working with your pet depends on several factors. These include the dog’s breed and size. The training can probably begin at any point in the life of a tiny Pomeranian or a Chihuahua. In the case of a large breed like an Irish Wolfhound or English Mastiff, you may want to wait until the dog is a little older before you begin training.
The age of the owner can also determine when to start training a dog. While younger people may have more time to train their pets because they are still in school or have fewer family responsibilities, older people may have more resources and experience to help them pursue obedience. Regardless of how far along in life you are, if you want your dog to have more specialized skills like becoming a show dog or a sled dog champion, you will need to spend extra time and money on training at an early age.
The First Two Months
When your puppy arrives in its new home, usually between 8 and 12 weeks of age, the first thing you should do is enroll him in a socialization class. It would be best to expose your dog to as many new situations as possible. Taking your dog out into the world and telling them about different sounds, textures, other people, dogs, and animals will help him succeed later in life. You can also start obedience training at this age. However, it is essential to keep training sessions short (under 15 minutes) as growing puppies have limited ability to focus their attention.
You should also start potty training during this time. It’s worth mentioning that puppies cannot hold their bladder for longer than 4-6 hours until they are about four months old. Crate training during this period can help dogs maintain a routine since they don’t like to soil their sleeping and eating areas. They will have to learn to wait until they are taken outside before doing their business.
Beyond that, puppy classes are ideal for cat training and introducing dogs to basic commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay.” You will also practice exercises like nail trimming and eye or ear cleaning, which are necessary but can be uncomfortable or difficult for some dogs.
Months 3 And 4
In the third and fourth months, your puppy is slowly becoming independent. Therefore, this is an excellent time to learn basic commands, set boundaries, do more crate training, socialize your dog with other animals, and train with distractions.
Remember:
- Dogs get bored quickly. Keep training sessions short in the beginning.
- It is essential to set boundaries for your dog to know where they can go and what they can chew on. You can do this by putting up a fence around your yard (if applicable), keeping toys in one place, keeping trash out of your dog’s reach, etc.
Months 5 And 6
In the fifth month, your puppy may be making their first serious progress in education. At this point, puppies are less playful and more focused on following commands. They respond to training (rather than constantly trying to play with you) and show interest in your training efforts.
Months 7 And 8
In months 7 and 8, you should continue to walk your dog daily and make sure they have plenty of contact with people and other dogs. With consistency, you’ll notice the respectful behavior you have been working on pays off. You can now add “sit” and “down” to your repertoire.
Now your puppy is at the age where their personality is on full display (unless they are a husky – in which case, good luck). Like any adolescent, they will test their limits as they mature. But if you have done your job well so far, remember that positive reinforcement is still the tool of choice.
Consistency Is Key To Dog Training
Dogs rely on their owners to be consistent regarding rules and training. Routines, practices, and schedules provide predictability and stability. When your pet has a reliable routine to stick to every day, their behavior becomes predictable. If they can’t rely on you to be there at the same time every day, or if they don’t understand what you expect of them, they get confused and anxious and may exhibit undesirable behaviors such as barking or chewing.
There is no straight answer to when you should start training your dog, but many experts advise that you should start as soon as you bring them home. A puppy learns more efficiently than an adult dog where to go potty and not chew on your shoes. Therefore, puppyhood is the best time to teach your dog good habits to ensure they are well behaved when they get older. However, there are many success stories of people who waited until their dogs were adults and then trained them, so do not despair if you have an older dog. Just remember that the earlier you train your pet, the better.
Possibly even more important than age is understanding your dog’s personality. Some dogs need more structure than others, while others like to make their own decisions (and they are not always the ones you agree with). Knowing what kind of personality your dog has will help you better assess how much training they do or do not need at any given time in their life. Of course, this will change over time. For instance, what works for a first-time owner with a small puppy may not work after two years of experience with another pet, so it’s vital to assess whether your training methods are working.
If you want to learn more about dog training, visit our website https://www.momentum-k9.com/programs/board-and-train/. We are a leading dog training facility offering training, obedience, and behavior modification for puppies and adult dogs at our indoor/outdoor training facility. Give us a call today, and we’ll create a custom program for your furry companion.
Momentum K9 Dog Training,
700 S Scott Street Boise Idaho 83705,
208-789-4917
