Adopting a new puppy into your family can be a very exciting time. You’re joining the ranks of about 65.1 million families in the U.S. already enjoying dog ownership. You’re in for years of fun, from licks to cuddles to countless hours spent walking the neighborhood sidewalks and chasing a ball in the backyard. However, just as with children, puppies need guidance and training to develop the desirable behaviors you’ll soon expect from your new furry friend. And this begs (pun intended) the question, when should your puppy start obedience training?

When Can a Puppy Start Learning How to Behave?

The age at which you bring your new puppy home can vary depending on the breeder, pet store, or whether or not you are adopting a pet from a local animal shelter. However, most agree that pups should remain with their mother until 8 to 10 weeks of age. And the good news is that this is the perfect age to start teaching your pup some initial behaviors.

The learning process begins from the moment your puppy steps into its new home. Puppies are like sponges during their early weeks, absorbing every new experience and instruction. It’s during this period, typically between 8 to 12 weeks of age, that they’re most receptive to learning basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” This stage lays the foundation for their future behavior and training.

Even simple daily interactions can become informal training sessions. Teaching them to respond to their name, getting comfortable with a leash, and even the basics of potty training can start immediately. Remember, short, positive sessions work best. Rather than scolding, encouragement helps your puppy feel secure and eager to learn. 

What to Expect From Early Puppy Training Sessions

As mentioned, when your pup first comes home, they’re prime for learning. Get them used to their leash, start potty training, and begin with those early commands. However, it would be best to remember that even though your puppy is a sponge, it still grows and needs time. This means you need to be patient. And most of all, keep at it. Repetition is the name of the game when it comes to dog training.

Another essential thing to understand is that you shouldn’t stop those training sessions once your puppy is trained. Dogs of all ages can benefit from continued practice and clarity on what is expected of them. So, start simple, and as they grow, you can begin with more complex commands. 

Here are some examples:

• Introducing New Skills: As your puppy matures beyond the initial few months, you can start introducing more complex commands like “heel,” “leave it,” or “rollover.” This usually can start around 4 to 6 months of age, as their attention span increases and they can understand more sophisticated instructions.
• Socialization and Behavior Training: Around this time, it’s also essential to focus on socialization and behavioral training. Taking your dog to different environments, meeting new people, and encountering other animals are essential for developing a well-rounded and socially adept dog. This helps prevent future issues with anxiety or aggression.
• Agility and Physical Training: For physically active breeds such as Jack Russel Terriers, German Shepherds, and Vizslas, you can begin agility training around 6 to 12 months of age. This includes navigating obstacle courses, which can be quite stimulating for your busybody pet.
• Advanced Tricks and Tasks: Once your dog has mastered basic obedience and is around a year old, you can start teaching more advanced tricks or specific tasks that could assist you in daily life. This could range from fetching specific items to turning lights on and off. The key is to keep training sessions fun and rewarding.

Need Help with Puppy Obedience Training?

While training your dog in the comfort of your home is possible, many new puppy owners turn to professional trainers for help. Doing so can ensure you have the proper guidance to reinforce learning when not in class. If you need help with obedience training for your dog in Massachusetts, Leader of the Pack, located in Quincy, MA, can help! Contact us today by calling (617)296-1711 and get started on a rewarding training experience that will bring you and your pup even closer.