When Should You Start Training a Puppy?
It is never too soon to start training a puppy, however give your puppy as much freedom as possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age. That does not include running amok in public places. Always keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places where there is danger from road traffic and so on. In many countries it is against the law to allow a dog to run free, so be careful if that applies to your country.
Also be careful in parks if there are older dogs loose as they may attack a crazy pup they think is infringing in their territory. A boisterous young pup of a larger breed can also harm very young children or frail elderly people by jumping on them excitedly. Always keep your pup in sight when he's off a lead.
Plenty of exercise and fresh air is essential for a fast growing young puppy. He needs the exercise to strengthen his bones and fresh air for the development of strong lungs. Being in public places also allows him to interact with people and get used to the noises of traffic and life in general. He should be exercised daily if possible, with a side benefit being that he will sleep well and not get bored, which is the main cause of bad habits and destructive behavior seen in so many young dogs today. Another thing it prevents is shyness, which is primarily caused by isolation as a pup, although shyness is also a trait that can be inherited.
Starting Basic Puppy Training
You can start training a puppy from about 4 to 6 months of age. It is possible to train older dogs, but it's a lot harder. Don’t overdo these exercises, 10 minutes a day is adequate. You'll find that your puppy tires fairly quickly, and a tired pup won't learn anything. Be regular in your training sessions, taking him out at about the same time each day. Dress in the same shoes or jacket each training session, and the pup will soon associate those shoes or that jacket with training. |
