4 Important reasons for Puppy Training

4 Important Reasons for Puppy Obedience Training 

Puppy obedience training does not solve all behavior problems; however it is the foundation for solving most problems. Attempting to manage a dog that has not learned obedience commands is not impossible but can be very exhausting and requires much patience. It is never too early for puppies to start learning, however, formal obedience training is best started when puppy is seven to twelve weeks. Remember that puppies have short attention spans and it is unreasonable to expect your puppy’s full attention for long periods of time. Puppies tend to live “in the moment”. During obedience training, effective communication is necessary for instructing the puppy what you want him or her to do. It is important to understand what motivates your puppy.

1.Promoting Puppy Etiquette 

Puppies need to learn manners. It is important for parents to understand the common patterns of canine social, physical and cognitive development. Through puppy obedience training, your puppy learns appropriate behaviors. The simple commands for example “sit”, “come”, “stay”, “leave it”, “heal” set clear messages for your puppy. Proper obedience training will also help Fido with impulse control. The more pleasant and fun you make the training experience, the more they will develop into contented and well-adjusted adult dogs. That, of course is part of the plan. Hopefully, he/she will not just obey your commands, but will be eager to please you. Emphasize the positive in puppy training. There should be more yeses than no’s.

2.Reduces Future behavior Problems

Unwanted behaviors such as, destroying your property and belongings, digging holes in your yard, soiling in the house, biting and inappropriate aggression are common in untrained dogs. Chewing is a common occurrence among most puppies and puppy obedience training will help eliminate undesirable chewing of household objects. Repeat, help eliminate. Remember puppies are very oral.It is also helpful for puppy parents to ensure puppy does not have access to these household objects. Formal obedience training also helps train parents to understand behaviors and provide tools for challenges.

3.Enriches the relationship between you and your dog 

 Puppy obedience training done properly should be fun, rewarding and enjoyable for you and your dog. It helps foster a good relationship between the human parent and his dog. Your time together will be more enjoyable and fun. A well-behaved dog is confident and can safely be allowed a greater amount of freedom. It is important to understand many behavior problems occur because of a lack of communication or understanding between the human parent and the puppy. Learning your puppy’s body language will help you know what puppy is trying to tell you. Learning is not linear.  Puppies will have good and bad days. Be patient and consistent.

4.Helps with socialization

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than going over to a friends house and having their dog jump all over you or put their nose in your plate of food. Or maybe, it’s  your dog jumping all over your friend and spilling her wine glass. Oops! Socialization is an important part of puppy training. Take your puppy with you for quick errands. Expose him/her to a variety of people. Go to dog parks. Ask other dog owners to join you on dog walks. The more positive exposure your puppy has to different sight and people, the less social anxiety he/she is apt to have. Remember, always use positive techniques and be consistent.

Then, you can invite friends over and not be embarrassed by your puppy’s behavior.Puppies also need to learn to socialize with other canines.  There is a difference between aggressive behavior and play growling. Puppies will learn appropriate behavior around other dogs.

If you decide to enroll your puppy in formal obedience training, find out what training methods are used. You may even want to interview the trainer. A successful class requires collaboration between you, your dog and the trainer. In other words, your dog must like the trainer and the class environment.Here’s to well-mannered dogs with wagging tails.