Your Puppy Training Guide - Teaching Good Behaviour Before It’s Too Late

Are you looking to get a jump start on puppy training? Setting your pup up with the right behaviours and habits now can help raise a well-behaved dog later.

It is important to remember that puppies are like sponges, soaking in all of the love, attention and guidance you provide.

In this blog, we will be discussing why it’s so important to teach good behaviour before it’s too late, as well as providing tips for teaching your pup manners from an early age.

For new puppy owners, this guide will help you learn and understand how to best approach each stage of puppy development when introducing basic commands or ensuring unwanted behaviour from occurring in the future!

When Can You Start Training Your Puppy?

As a new dog owner, you have likely wondered when the best time to start training your new puppy is. The answer is surprisingly early - the earlier, the better, in fact.

Puppies begin learning obedience and socialization skills in the early weeks of their lives, as three weeks old, and it is crucial to start instilling positive behaviours as soon as possible.

Basic obedience commands such as "sit" and "stay" can be taught as early as eight to ten weeks old, and leash training, potty training & crate training can begin shortly after.

Starting training at a young age can help prevent unwanted behaviours and promote a healthy relationship between you and your pup. Having an older dog that your new puppy can try to emulate can make training even easier!

Remember, a well-trained dog is a happy dog, and starting early sets them up for a lifetime of success.

The First 8 Weeks: Laying The Foundations to Success

Puppy training can seem daunting, but you must start training & laying the right foundations in the first 8 weeks is crucial for future success. It's during this critical period that puppies develop their most important social skills and bond with their human caregivers.

Being knowledgeable about what to teach your furry friend during this stage is key. From learning basic commands to house training, it's important to expose your puppy to a variety of experiences and encourage positive behaviours.

With the right guidance and consistency, the first 8 weeks can set your puppy up for a lifetime of good behaviour and a strong bond with you or their future owner.

Puppy Training Schedule - The First 0 to 7 Weeks

During a puppy's first seven weeks of life, they undergo significant development both physically and behaviourally.

This time period is known as the "socialisation period," where puppies learn valuable skills such as bite inhibition, the basics of house training, and socialisation with other dogs and humans.

It's important to introduce your puppy to as many new experiences and environments as it is safe to during this time to prevent fear and aggression later in life.

Additionally, creating a consistent routine and providing positive reinforcement can greatly benefit the training process.

Understanding the importance of early socialisation and obedience training sets the foundation for a happy and well-behaved furry companion for years to come.

10 to 12 Weeks Old - An Introduction to the Outside World

Introducing your new pup to the world outside can be an exciting yet daunting experience. At this stage of your puppy training timeline, they are still in the early stages of development and require gentle guidance as they navigate the unknown.

To start, begin taking your pup on short walks around the neighbourhood, allowing them to become familiar with their new surroundings. Keep in mind that everything will be new and potentially overwhelming for them.

Be patient and encourage them with treats and praise to build their confidence. Gradually increase the length of your walks and introduce them to different environments such as parks, cafes, and busy streets.

Puppies are curious by nature, so this time is not only an opportunity for training but also a chance for them to explore and learn about the world around them.

The First Puppy Training Step to Conquer

As any experienced dog owner can attest, an effective puppy training timeline is crucial to raising a happy and healthy pup. And, as with any undertaking, it all begins with those first few steps.

The first step in training your new furry friend is to establish yourself as the authority figure. This starts with your tone of voice.

Puppies are attuned to the tone and intonation of their human counterparts, so it is important to speak in a calm and assertive tone. Try to avoid using a high-pitched or baby voice, as this can confuse your new pet and make it difficult for them to understand you.

Stick to a firm, but gentle tone of voice instead, and you'll be well on your way to puppy training success.

Consistency Is Key When Training Your Puppy

When it comes to training your new furry friend, consistency is key. Puppies are just like children and require a certain level of structure and routine to understand and learn new things.

Establishing a set routine for your puppy can help them learn faster and retain information better. This also helps to curb any unwanted behaviours from forming.

Consistency in commands, expectations, and rewards will help your puppy understand what is expected of them and what is considered good behaviour.

So the next time you're training your pup, remember that consistency is not only important but essential in helping your pup learn and grow into a well-behaved companion.

Teaching the Basic Cues (Sit, Stay, Come)

Teaching your furry friend the basic cues of sit, stay, and come can seem daunting, but with proper training and patience, your pet will soon become a well-behaved companion.

The sit command is useful for various situations such as mealtime or greeting new people.

Stay can prevent your pet from running off and getting into potentially dangerous situations.

Come is essential for calling your pet back to you when they're exploring or following their nose.

To achieve success, it's crucial to practice these commands consistently with positive reinforcement. With time and dedication, your pet will quickly learn these basic cues and become a more obedient and enjoyable addition to your household.

12 to 16 Weeks - It's Time to Start Puppy Training Class

As your furry addition reaches between 12 and 16 weeks of age, it's the perfect time to commence puppy training classes. These classes have a lot to offer young pooches, and attending them has proven beneficial to both owner and pet.

In a group setting, puppies will learn valuable socialisation skills with their peers and humans. As for learning, they will be exposed to different commands and tricks, as well as proper behaviour and leash training.

Additionally, puppy training classes are an excellent opportunity to build a strong bond with your young companion.

By enrolling in a class, you're not only investing in your pet's future but also establishing a lasting and trusting relationship with your four-legged friend.

Where Should My Puppies Training Be By 6 Months Old?

It's important to remember that at this stage of their development, your furry friend is still just a baby and may continue to exhibit puppy behaviours.

However, by 6 months old, your puppy should be getting better at going to the toilet outside and have a good understanding of basic commands like "sit" and "stay." This is also a crucial time to continue socialise your puppy with other dogs and people, so they can learn how to properly interact and behave in different situations.

With consistency and patience, your puppy will continue to thrive in their training and become a well-behaved furry companion.

Keep Training Sessions Short

It's important to keep in mind that puppies have short attention spans. Training sessions should be brief, no more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

This ensures that your furry friend remains engaged and focused during the lesson. Long and drawn-out lessons can lead to frustration, both for the puppy and for you.

Keep in mind that repetition is key in the training process. So, instead of one long session, break it up into shorter sessions throughout the day. This approach will help your puppy learn quickly while keeping things fun and enjoyable.

So, remember, when it comes to puppy training, practice patience, and always keep it short and sweet.

Puppy Toilet Training

Training a puppy to use the toilet requires patience and consistency. It's important to establish a routine and consistently take your furry friend outside to their designated spot.

Praise them when they successfully use the toilet and never scold or punish them for accidents. Crate training can also be helpful in preventing accidents when you're unable to supervise your puppy.

Keep in mind that accidents will happen, so it's important to be prepared with cleaning supplies and not to get discouraged. With time and effort, your puppy will learn to use the toilet like a pro.

Remember to always reward good behaviour and never lose sight of the long-term goal of a fully toilet-trained pup.

Crate Training Your Puppy

Crate training is a must for every new puppy owner. Not only can it help with general obedience, but it also gives your furry friend a sanctuary they can call their own, as well as a comfortable and secure place to sleep.

The crate should be a calm and safe place where your puppy can relax and enjoy their own company. This enclosure helps to provide a sense of security, especially when they are scared or anxious.

Dogs are den animals, and their natural instinct is to find a cosy, secure space to call their own. A well-designed crate can replicate that natural instinct for your pup. Moreover, it can also help in potty training, as most dogs are unwilling to soil their den.

To make the training a positive experience for your furry friend, create a comfortable environment and never use the crate as punishment. 

With time and patience, you and your pup will experience a smoother transition into a new home, a well-behaved dog, and a happy living atmosphere for both of you.

Where Will My Pup Be By One Year?

As your puppy reaches the one-year mark, you can expect them to have made significant progress in their training. Gone are the days of endless accidents and chewing on inappropriate items. As long as you've followed your puppy training schedule week by week, things will be plain sailing.

By now, your furry friend should have basic obedience skills down pat, such as sit, stay, come, and heel. They should also be comfortable with leash-walking and have good social skills with both people and other dogs.

Of course, every pup learns at their own pace, so don't worry if your furry pal still has a ways to go. Keep up with consistent training and socialization, and before you know it, your pup will be a well-behaved and happy part of your family.