There's no greater joy than welcoming a new puppy into your family. But this new addition often brings questions, such as when their training should start. Whether you’ve chosen a large or small breed, providing your puppy with the right training early on can help them grow into a happy, well-adjusted, and obedient adult dog.
Puppy obedience training provides your puppy with the strong foundation and appropriate socialization needed to ensure a friendly disposition and the discipline necessary to keep everyone safe and happy. If you’re wondering at what age you should start your furry friend in obedience classes, keep reading to find out!
When Should You Start Puppy Obedience Training?
Puppy obedience training can start the moment you welcome them into your home. However, we recommend waiting to attend lessons at our facility until they’ve received their first set of shots, generally around 8 weeks of age. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, “Puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7–8 weeks of age. [They] should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least seven days before the first class and a first deworming…and should be kept up to date on all vaccines throughout the class.”
Many veterinarians agree that waiting too long to begin training can have a lifelong effect on your puppy, resulting in behavioral issues, including: phobias, aggression, and avoidance.
While some may disagree, it’s widely accepted that the benefits of early puppy obedience and socialization training far outweigh any potential health risks.
What Does Puppy Obedience Training Cover?
By beginning basic obedience training for puppies early, you can help develop a reward system that’ll ensure your puppy grows into a respectful, well-mannered adult dog. During training classes, your puppy will learn basic skills, including sit, come, stay, down, and heel, as well as basic socialization with other dogs. They’ll also start to learn how to walk on a leash without pulling and identify any emerging behavioral issues, such as jumping and barking.
Puppy obedience training doesn’t just benefit your new fluffy family member; it can also teach you how to interact with your puppy and give you the tools to enforce their training at home. You may expect to learn:
- A deeper insight into how your puppy sees the world.
- A greater understanding of the way dogs learn.
- Learn how to tell if your puppy enjoys following commands.
- Which words to use during training and how to reward obedience.
- How to enhance your puppy’s training experience using their natural instinct.
What Are the Different Types of Training?
When it comes to your puppy, there are multiple types of training available, depending on your desired results. It’s important to note that some classes are age-restricted, so be sure to check before scheduling to ensure it’s an age-appropriate option for your puppy.
Board and Train
Board and Train is considered the “boot camp” of dog training and is an excellent way to develop good behavior fundamentals. Our trainers will develop a personalized training program for your dog to ensure they address the most pressing behavioral issues. During this training, your puppy will stay with the trainer, receiving multiple training sessions each day in a wide variety of disciplines.
Obedience Group Training
Obedience training is by far the most popular option for puppies, as it gently eases them into learning and socialization. It’s the preferred method for many because your puppy remains at home but still begins learning the fundamental skills they’ll carry for a lifetime. Best of all, after joining one of our group classes, your puppy will be able to attend our puppy playdates!
Sports Training
For older puppies destined to participate in agility sports, this type of training begins teaching them the skills they need for success. The training is more specialized and generally requires that your puppy has a mastery of basic training. After completing their basic obedience, puppies can start on foundational work that is low impact so that they stay happy, healthy, and are prepared for a lifelong career in the dog sports world.
Private Training
If you’re looking for one-on-one classes, private training is an excellent option. Although it doesn’t offer the same socialization as puppy obedience training classes, it can target specific behavioral issues in a more controlled and calm environment.
Where Can I Train My Puppy?
When you’re ready to begin training your puppy, it’s important to find a qualified and professional trainer who is well-versed in the complexities of puppy training. Because they’re so impressionable, your puppy should have a positive training experience from the start to help avoid problems down the line. Search in your region for highly rated trainers, and don’t be afraid to visit and ask them any questions you may have.
For those living in Little Rock, Arkansas, The Pine Hill Ranch Canine Center offers world-class training at a state-of-the-art compound. You and your puppy will feel right at home attending one of our premier training classes. We offer multiple puppy and adult dog obedience classes separated by age to ensure your little fluff is comfortable and safe. Classes include:
Proper Puppy
This class is designed for our younger puppies, under 6 months of age. Your instructor will introduce basic training concepts for you and your puppy, including basic obedience, socialization, house training, and more. Classes are one hour per week for six weeks.
Mannered Puppy
Beginner training for dogs 6–12 months old. It teaches real-life skills necessary for your puppy to be a well-rounded family companion, including behavioral issues like jumping, as well as leash training, and more. Classes are one hour per week for six weeks.
Model Citizen
Advanced training for dogs over 6 months old. It teaches advanced commands that’ll ensure your dog is well-behaved and obedient. Skills include loose leash walking, staying in place, ignoring distractions, and more. This training prepares dogs for earning the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen certification.
Contact Us To Start Your Puppy Obedience Training
The Pine Hill Ranch Canine Center is dedicated to giving your puppy the best start in life, which is why we only employ highly skilled professional trainers who have the expertise to provide your puppy with exceptional training. If you’re ready to provide your puppy with the socialization and obedience training they deserve, click here to schedule one of our puppy obedience training classes. Don’t trust your puppy’s training to just anyone; turn to The Pine Hill Ranch Canine Center for training you can trust!
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