Today, we’re diving into the wild world of puppy training milestones with Puppy Training 101 tips. Buckle up, because raising a puppy is like riding a rollercoaster – thrilling, sometimes scary, but oh-so-rewarding! Here’s what you might expect when you’re expecting… a dog!
Before we dive into the blog, let me apologise for not publishing a blog for a while. I was knocked out of the park by our friend, Rona but I’m back on deck now and ready to train again.
The first step of Puppy Training 101 is that before you even get a puppy, you should consider what kind of dog will suit you and if you will suit a particular breed of dog. Do you live in a unit and are at work most of the day? Then don’t adopt a herding breed. Do you live in suburbia and have lots of visitors? Then don’t adopt a guardian breed. My point is: research what breed would be suitable for your home and your lifestyle before you even meet a potential Furchild. Then consider if your home and your lifestyle are suitable for a particular breed. Of course, dogs are individuals, so keep an open mind. Oh, and never ever get a puppy just to keep another dog company. If your existing dog is struggling with behaviours then adding another dog to the household is the worst thing you can do. Resolve your older dog’s struggles before you get another dog.
Back to Puppies
First things first: Remember that every pup is unique. Just like human kids, dogs hit their milestones at different times. So don’t panic if your furry friend isn’t exactly on schedule. We’re aiming for progress, not perfection!
8-14 Weeks: The “Aw, Look at Those Puppy Eyes” Stage
This is when the real fun begins! Your pup is a little sponge, soaking up everything around them. Focus on:
• Potty training (stock up on paper towels, trust me)
• At home teach basic cues like ‘sit’ and ‘come’ (aka “please stop eating my socks”)
• Socialisation (it’s not always what you might think)
• Enroll in Puppy School to teach you how to train with your pup
Remember, at this stage, their attention span is shorter than a goldfish’s, so keep training sessions brief and fun – no more than 3 minutes!
4-6 Months: The beginning of the “Is My Puppy Possessed?” Teenage Phase
Ah, teething time. Your once-angelic pup might turn into a land shark and start flipping you off. Don’t worry, it’s normal! Work on:
• Continuing basic cue training
• Leash training (warning: may feel like you’re walking a furnado)
• Teaching ‘leave it’ (crucial for saving your favourite shoes)
• Work on your Relationship so you’re still their N1H (Number 1 Human)
• Getting co-operation with Distractions
• Enroll in Teenage School to keep the momentum going and troubleshoot adolescence
You should be working on the 3 Ds – Distance, Duration and Distractions
6-12 Months: The Older Teenage Rebellion
Just when you thought you had it all figured out, welcome to full on doggy adolescence! Your pup might “forget” everything they’ve learned. Stay patient and focus on:
• Reinforcing previous training
• Introducing more advanced cues
• Working on impulse control (keep going!)
• Overcoming Fear Periods (see this great blog by Dr Ian Shivers)
• Consider joining your local dog club or finding other group classes in your area
1-2 Years: The “Finally, An Adult… Sort Of” Stage
Congratulations! You’ve made it through puppyhood. Well nearly – puppyhood continues until your doggo is 2 years old. Now’s the time to really refine those skills:
• Perfecting loose-leash walking
• Master recall in distracting environments
• Consider fun activities like agility or nose work (I highly recommend nose work)
• Keep practicing those basic cues because practice makes perfect and learning never ends
Remember, every dog is different. Some might be perfect angels from day one (if you find one, please let me know where you got them). Others might take a bit longer to mature (sigh, Stan Lee!). The keys are positive reinforcement training and patience. Just keep going.
And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! That’s what I’m here for. I’ve seen it all, from the pup who thinks ‘sit’ means ‘jump on my guardian’s head’ to the one who believes ‘come’ is optional. If you want to check out how I might help you then head on over to my Services page
So, take a deep breath, grab some of your dog’s food to train with, and enjoy the journey. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-trained dog and a few more grey hairs to show for it.
Game On! Let’s Play!
Hxx
