Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyous occasion filled with excitement and boundless potential. To make the best of this time, it it essential to start training your pup right from the beginning. This will ensure that you raise a dog that is well-behaved and happy.
The main question here is – when should you start training your puppy? The training should ideally start when he is 2 weeks old. Here’s a week-by-week guide that covers the various phases of your puppy’s development.
Weeks 8-14: The Foundation Phase
In these early weeks, your primary goals should be to build trust and introduce basic commands. Focus on gentle handling and positive interactions. Begin with simple commands like “sit,” “come,” and “stay.” Simultaneously, initiate the crucial process of potty training your pup, teaching your puppy where and when to relieve themselves. This phase sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.
Weeks 15-18: Refining Skills
With a solid foundation in place, it’s time to refine your puppy’s skills and focus. Introduce basic commands like “lie down”, “eave it”, and other complex commands like “heel,” “wait,” and “drop it.” Work on improving your puppy’s ability to concentrate during training sessions. This can be achieved through short, engaging sessions that gradually increase in duration.
Leash training becomes essential at this stage. Familiarize your puppy with walking on a leash and teach them to walk beside you. This skill not only promotes safety but also encourages a strong bond between you and your pup.
Encourage positive interactions and socializing your dog with other dogs and people. Engage in interactive play sessions to stimulate your puppy’s mental and physical development.
Weeks 19-22: Polishing Manners
As your puppy matures, it’s time to focus on polishing their manners and obedience. Teach your puppy to remain obedient even in the presence of distractions. Off-leash training can be introduced in a safe, enclosed area to test their recall ability.
Furthermore, emphasize canine etiquette. This includes behaviours such as not jumping on people or excessive barking. Practice these commands in a variety of situations to reinforce their understanding.
Basic pet grooming introduction is also essential during this phase. Familiarize your puppy with gentle grooming practices like brushing and nail trimming. This not only promotes their physical well-being but also fosters a positive association with grooming routines.
Weeks 23-26: Graduating to Advanced Training
As your puppy nears their sixth month, they’re ready for more advanced training challenges. Strengthen their off-leash reliability by practising recall commands in a variety of environments.
If you’re a first-time dog parent, training your puppy may seem like an overwheliming and a tough task. You can consider hiring services of a professional pet trainer like Paw Purrfect who can help you navigate the challenges and make poet training easy and payful for you.
