Pet parents often ask us, “When should I start training my puppy?” Our answer? Training should actually take place immediately. A youngster will learn the right behavior much faster than an older dog, making it easier for pet parents to weed out some of the less desirable behaviors early on. Here are a few of our top tips for getting pups trained at an early age:
Pro Tip #1: Choose a Name Wisely
While some people like to choose a dog’s name for the cute-factor or based on what they love, this can sometimes make dog training harder. Pet parents should consider a shorter name that ends with a strong consonant. That way, the puppy will always hear his name clearly when it’s spoken. They should also try to get the new name to be associated with positive things, rather than negative ones, so he’ll respond better to it when called.
Pro Tip #2: Hold The Fort
Before the puppy even comes home, house rules should be set. For example, decide whether or not he’ll be allowed on couches or beds. A pet owner might also decide which parts of the home are off limits. Setting the rules early on can help to avoid confusion. It keeps everyone on the same page and keeps the household running smoothly.
Pro Tip #3: Create a Private Den
A dog doesn’t necessarily need a room of his own, but he should have a private space where he can lay back and relax. This space shouldn’t be used by anyone else in the home — including other pets. Some pet parents like to keep crates around, even after a puppy has been trained, for this purpose. Pet parents should be cautious when leaving their pup alone in an open area for too long. It’s always best to puppy-proof the area first and make sure he’s supervised at all times, or in his crate.
Pro Tip #4: Nip Biting in The Bud
Pet parents should nip biting in the bud as soon as possible! Those little nibbles may seem harmless and cute right now, but as the dog ages, they can become dangerous. Dogs, and puppies in particular, usually don’t realize the strength of their own bites, which can lead to people getting hurt later on.
When training a puppy, you should always end each lesson or session on a positive note, which helps keep the dog excited for training the next time around. Here at Camp, we always use positive reinforcement and a reward-based training system to teach our Campers right from wrong. A treat or simple play session is all it takes to reinforce a job well done!
As a Camp owner, you’ll be able to offer dog moms and dads in your area a safe place for their pups to romp, play and learn from our expert dog trainers.
If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to join the Camp Bow Wow Pack and invest in a bright future and a doggone good time, dial (870) 600-2713 or contact us online to request your free executive summary.