Training your puppy from a young age sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog. Starting as early as seven weeks, you can introduce your puppy to basic obedience exercises that will activate learning pathways in their brain, making future training more effective. This guide will delve into the essentials of positive puppy training, emphasizing the importance of establishing a bond and setting behavioral boundaries early on.
Puppies are sponges for learning, and delaying training until they are older is a missed opportunity. Introducing your puppy to training at seven weeks old can significantly enhance their ability to learn later in life. The primary objective of early training isn't to master specific commands but to ignite the learning process, create a joyful learning environment, and foster a positive relationship between you and your puppy. Remember, the aim is to make training a rewarding experience, not a chore.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports the idea of early training, noting that puppies can begin learning simple commands like "sit," "down," and "stay" as early as 7 to 8 weeks old. According to the AKC, positive reinforcement is key, and treats, praise, and play can all be effective rewards.
While positive reinforcement is crucial, it's also important to teach your puppy what behaviors are unacceptable. This is not only for your sanity but also to help your puppy understand limits and accept gentle corrections. A few critical "don'ts" include:
Housebreaking should be approached as a "do" rather than a "don't." Encourage your puppy to eliminate outside and avoid punishing accidents indoors. For guidance, consider resources like "Eliminate on Command" by Dr. M.L. Smith, which can be found online.
Puppies have limited attention spans, so keep training sessions short and focused on action commands that can be completed quickly, such as "sit," "come," and "heel." Longer commands and sessions can be introduced as your puppy matures and can maintain focus for extended periods.
Puppies learn in the same way as adult dogs and humans:
While food is an excellent motivator for puppies, it's less effective for adult dogs. Treat training should be part of a comprehensive training program that ultimately leads to a dog that obeys commands without the need for constant rewards. Initially, use treats to lure and reward desired actions, then gradually reduce the frequency of treats as your puppy learns to respond to cues.
Begin training in a quiet space, ideally before your puppy's first meal when they are alert and hungry. Use small, healthy treats that can be consumed quickly. All-beef hot dogs cut into small pieces are often effective, though some puppies may respond well to their regular kibble.
To teach your puppy to sit:
An effective way to teach your puppy to come when called is to first teach them to go away from you. Use a white Dixie cup with a treat on top to lure your puppy, then call them back to you, rewarding each successful recall. Gradually increase the distance to strengthen the recall response.
The "kennel" command is versatile and can be used to direct your dog to a specific place, such as a crate or designated area. Start with a small place board and use a treat to lure your puppy onto it. Introduce the "kennel" cue as they climb onto the board, and eventually, they will associate the command with the action of sitting on the board.
Once your puppy is comfortable with the "kennel" command and responding well to Dixie cup drills, you can introduce jumps by placing the treat over a small obstacle. This teaches your puppy to navigate around potential hazards while following commands.
Puppyhood is fleeting, so cherish this time and focus on training that is enjoyable and educational. Allow your puppy to play and explore, and always remember your training goals:
For more detailed guidance on puppy training, consider consulting resources from the American Kennel Club or professional trainers like Pat Nolan, who specialize in positive reinforcement techniques.
