It is highly advisable to commence the training of your fledgling canine companion at the earliest opportunity, ideally between the tender age of 8 and 12 weeks. Initiating training at such a nascent stage aids in the cultivation of commendable conduct, promotes social integration, and instills fundamental principles of obedience that shall undoubtedly prove advantageous to your cherished pup’s entire existence.
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The initiation of puppy training during the early stages of their life is of utmost importance in nurturing their comprehensive growth and establishing a harmonious connection between yourself and your beloved companion. Renowned professionals recommend commencing training between the span of 8 to 12 weeks, as puppies exhibit enhanced receptiveness towards acquiring knowledge and embracing novel encounters during this pivotal phase of development.
Training your puppy during their early weeks sets the foundation for desirable behavior, socialization, and obedience. Here are some interesting facts and tips on why and how to start training your puppy:
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Socialization: Early training helps puppies develop good social skills, enabling them to interact appropriately with humans and other animals. By exposing them to various stimuli, such as different environments, people, and animals, puppies learn to navigate the world confidently.
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Obedience: Training introduces basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash manners. These commands establish boundaries, enhance communication, and promote a secure environment for your puppy. Consistent training instills good behavior, making them more obedient and reliable in the long run.
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Bonding: Training sessions serve as an opportunity for you and your puppy to bond and build trust. Regular interactions foster a deep connection and strengthen the human-animal relationship. As Will Rogers, the American actor and writer, once said, “The best way to train a puppy is with love.”
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Cognitive development: Early training stimulates your puppy’s brain, encouraging mental growth and active learning. Puppies thrive on mental stimulation, and training provides an outlet for their innate curiosity and intelligence.
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Patience and consistency: Training a puppy requires patience and consistency. It is essential to remain calm, positive, and persistent throughout the training process. As Cesar Millan, the renowned dog behaviorist, stated, “Training doesn’t have to be about strict discipline and punishment. It’s about bonding and having fun together.”
Here is a table illustrating a general timeline for puppy training milestones:
Age (weeks) | Training Milestones |
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8-12 | Introduction to basic commands (sit, stay) |
12-16 | Leash training, recall commands (come) |
16-20 | Advanced commands (heel, lie down) |
20-24 | Socialization with other animals and humans |
24+ | Continued reinforcement and advanced training |
Remember, each puppy is unique, and training progresses at an individual pace. Seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can provide invaluable assistance in starting your puppy’s training journey on the right foot.
As you embark on this rewarding journey, always keep in mind the wise words of Milan Kundera, the Czech-French writer: “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring. It was peace.”
So, seize the opportunity, embrace the joy of training, and watch your puppy blossom into a well-behaved, happy canine companion.
Response video to “When should I start training my puppy?”
The YouTube video titled “When Should you Start Training your Dog?” emphasizes the importance of training and building a strong relationship with your dog at any age. The speaker uses their lab puppy, Flurry, as an example and demonstrates how to build trust through activities like going down stairs and playing fetch. They also highlight the significance of bonding with your dog and the benefits of interactive play in strengthening the relationship. The speaker encourages patience when training and suggests consulting with a vet for appropriate exercise levels. Overall, they stress that training and building a strong relationship should begin from the moment you get your dog, regardless of their age. They also demonstrate a game to engage a dog with little to no training using treats, promoting mental stimulation and strengthening the bond and communication between the dog and the trainer.
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Training a puppy starts as soon as you bring them home, which is typically about 8 weeks of age. At this young age, they can learn basic puppy training cues such as sit, stay, and come.
- At 10-12 weeks, you can start teaching your puppy not to bite and some new commands (place, down, home, Fetch and Drop-It ). If you haven’t yet walked your puppy on a leash, or in a harness now is the time to start.
- At 12 weeks continue to reinforce basic commands, make them more difficult, train your puppy in different areas, or combine multiple commands.
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As a result, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal behaviorists and many trainers now recommend that puppies (who do not have health problems) begin classes as early as 7-8 weeks.