If you have a new furry bundle of joy, congratulations! With early puppy training, you have an opportunity to ensure you and your puppy have a happy life together, with fewer problems. If you want your puppy to become an emotionally healthy adult dog, you’re in the right place!
Early Puppy Training should include the usual Sit-Stay-Come Here & Walk on a Leash, as well as positive puppy socialization. I know, easier said than done. But this is how you get an obedient, well socialized puppy who will become an obedient, friendly, calm, and well adjusted adult dog.
AVSAB position statement: “The risk of your puppy developing serious behavior problems from being poorly socialized is far greater than that of infectious disease.” Read more…
Early Puppy Training Prevents Adult Dog Problems
Puppy training and socialization go hand in hand! Socializing means getting your puppy comfortable with the new things she will encounter. Remember, EVERYTHING is new to her and is startling. Keep in mind that you have a narrow window of opportunity to EASILY make a lasting impression on your puppy’s growing brain. Get a jump start on this well BEFORE your puppy is 16 weeks old. Around 16 weeks, puppy’s socialization period closes.
If you miss that window, you can still spend your puppy’s early months positively socializing her to the many sights, sounds, places and people she will likely encounter in her life, you’ll just have to overcome some behaviors that have already begun to set.
Early Puppy Training Should, At The Least, Include Positive Exposure To:
- Adult Dogs & Puppies (supervision required)
- People (adults, tweens, children, people in uniforms…)
- Places (vet office, groomer, coffee shop, garages…)
- Things (vacuums, bicycles, skateboards, lawnmowers…)
- Surfaces (sidewalk grates, slick floors, stairs…)
- Novelty (balloons, umbrellas, wheelchairs…)
- Sounds (music, trucks, trains, children screeching)
Read Dr. Ian Dunbar’s FREE download: AFTER YOU GET YOUR PUPPY
Keep all interactions positive. Use lots of tiny pieces of food & treats and carefully supervise and protect your puppy by keeping distance from those screaming kids. Let your puppy take these adventures at his own pace. He should be relaxed and happy in these situations and if he is startled, calmly & briefly reassure him, while walking away. For example: continue moving away from that UPS truck until he is noticeably relaxed. Later, you can encourage him to move closer by dropping treats on the ground, OR just keep your distance, if that’s what he wants.
Early Puppy Training Should Include:
- Restraint and handling (you, vet, groomer, strangers)
- Food Bowl Work
- Alone Training
- Manners (sit, come, leash etc…)
Enroll your puppy in a well-run puppy class that will cover all of these topics so you and your pup can get started on the right paw.
LOOKING FOR PUPPY CLASSES?
That’s what I LOVE doing! For FUN, Early Puppy Training Classes, check out DogGoneFun! classes held in Ashland, Oregon: https://doggonefun.biz/group-classes/ashland-classes/
Here are a few comments from former alumni…
“Thank you so much Colleen for all the help you gave our family. When we introduced a third dog into our family we never thought our other two dogs would react so aggressively! The things you taught us have been invaluable, and our family is once again happy and harmonious. Thank you sooo much for helping us become a family again.” — Alisha, Paul & Kids
“Colleen, what you taught me saved my dogs life! He ran out into the middle of the street and I was able to quickly call him before a car came. All the training we’ve done is really paying off!” — Karen & Briny the whippet
“OH MY GOD! Colleen, I can’t tell you what a HUGE difference your game plan made! First, this morning, a neighbor came over unexpectedly. There was some chaos, but all the dogs quieted down very quickly. Then, tonight we had dinner guests over, and it was like a MIRACLE. I never would have thought these dogs were capable of settling down at the same time. I can’t thank you enough for helping us get all four dogs under control!” — Lisa & the pups
“Colleen, you were a life saver when I moved to Ashland and my dog, Koven, was struggling to adapt. You helped him gain confidence and settle down around the scary things that were making him nervous. Our sessions were fun and I highly recommend you!” — Merrilynne & Koven
“Colleen – of all the trainers I’ve worked with you were the only one that brings so much fun and joy to what you do!” — Leslie & Sprocket
If you prefer personalized 1:1 training: call Colleen at 541-601-7601.