Getting a new puppy or dog is a wonderful time for any household. The excitement of having an adorable new friend can be a thrill for kids and parents alike, but it’s important to keep an eye on the long term. Having an unruly dog jumping on visitors or chewing up the furniture is a lot less charming than having a clumsy and excitable puppy, so you shouldn’t delay when it comes to puppy obedience training in Canal Winchester, OH. Animals that learn how to behave early on are far more likely to keep these lessons than dogs that learn these skills later in life, which is why it’s a good idea to get an early start on training.
Training starts at home
One thing all puppy owners quickly learn is that training starts the second you welcome them into your home. It only takes a little pee on the carpet to realize that encouragement and correction are now going to be a part of your life, and that’s okay! Working with your dog on a daily basis is the best way to give them the right start. Some of the best tips we can offer for home training include focusing on positive reinforcement (giving a reward for the right thing rather than a scold for the wrong) and keeping a puppy’s very short attention span in mind.
When to start formal training
While there are some different schools of thought on this, most experts agree that puppies can begin socializing with other dogs as early as seven to eight weeks. However, be sure your dog is properly vaccinated and dewormed before letting them interact with any other dogs—you don’t want to be that one dog owner who gets another puppy sick!
Socialization of dogs is an important step in the training process. During the first few months of a puppy’s life, they can be susceptible to developing issues like phobias, aggression or avoidance if not properly introduced to their peers. Letting them interact and play with other dogs can help them become acclimated to their new independent life. These early socialization classes become the bedrock for future obedience training in Canal Winchester, OH.
Next steps in training
After basic socialization training, you’ll want to keep up the momentum, or you risk your dog falling back into preventable bad habits like disobedience or fear of social situations. Teaching your puppy to become accustomed to their crate is typically the next step, followed by not letting them be so “mouthy” by gently biting people and objects. Potty training is, of course, the big one if you want to keep a clean house and preserve your sanity, and professional obedience training will be a big help on this front.
Puppy training in Canal Winchester, OH is a wonderful part of a whole new experience for your family. If everyone buys into the process, it can even be a fun bonding activity for both kids and parents. Working with a professional training team like the experts at Lucky Bones Pet Resort can make the process seamless and enjoyable—call us today to learn more about our classes!
