Introducing a new puppy to the household is exciting and joyful, but it also comes with some major challenges. From day one, training is one of your most important tools as a puppy parent. Read on to learn what to expect when training a puppy (and some tips to make the process a little easier).
A Blank Slate
When we’re talking about very young puppies (two to six months), we’re probably talking about puppies who have zero pre-existing training. That means you’re starting from scratch and need to prioritize the basics of good behavior.
Before you worry about teaching your puppy commands like sit and stay, spend a few days focusing on potty training, leash training, and crate training. These are the skills that are going to reduce a lot of potential frustrations and leave you with more time to play and bond.
Energetic Highs and Lows
One minute, your puppy is tearing around the house and chewing on anything she can find. The next, she’s sound asleep. Dogs of all ages will have energetic highs and lows throughout the day. The difference between the two is likely to be more dramatic in puppies, especially between the ages of four months and one year.
While it’s not always easy or predictable, try to slot training sessions into the moments when your puppy is awake and alert but not bouncing off the walls. You may need to take steps to help them burn off excess energy first, such as taking a short but brisk walk or playing a few rounds of fetch.
Short Attention Spans
Puppies are easily distracted, which is going to play a huge role in your training sessions. When you’re working on command-based training, keep the sessions short, releasing your puppy to play or rest after ten to fifteen minutes.
In the first few weeks, try to limit distractions as much as possible while training. That means finding a quiet room with no toys or food lying around and no other pets or people in sight. Slowly introduce more distractions over time to build up your puppy’s ability to focus on you in different environments.
Occasional Regression
Have you ever heard the joke that between six and eight months, puppies turn into T-rexes? This has to do with some noticeable behavioral shifts that happen during the adolescent phase, with behaviors like increased chewing, barking, and even nipping or growling. Many owners note that puppies who were previously doing well with training start to regress around this time.
The good news is that most of the regression you may notice during this developmental stage is temporary. However, this is also an important time to note any red flag behaviors like leash reactivity or resource guarding. Make sure to include your vet and professional trainers in the conversation to come up with an intervention plan.
At ADU, we’re happy to become part of the training team for dogs of all ages, including puppies. Learn more about our training programs today.