If you are a dog owner, you know that dog behavior is something you will work on with your pet throughout their life. Basic obedience can be difficult to teach when your dog is a puppy. However, if you get started young, you can correct puppy behavior problems, and have a dog that can handle a variety of situations throughout their life. Here are a few things to know about bringing home a new puppy and how to help them get started on the right foot with their training.
It’s Crucial to Get Started at a Young Age
If you want to get off to a good start with dog behavior, it’s important to know when to begin. The most critical time for a puppy to learn is between 7 to 16 weeks. During this time, you can correct puppy behavior problems, handle excessive barking, and have them trained so they do not fear strangers. By getting started with a dog trainer early, you can help your puppy feel calm, understand their place in your family pack, and help them grow into becoming a well-adjusted dog. Dog trainers can give you ideas of how to handle certain behaviors, such as your puppy not getting along with strangers.
Know When to Introduce Your Dog to Other Animals
While you may want to introduce your dog to other animals, it’s important to know when to do so. For example, you should know how to introduce your new puppy to any other pets you currently have, such as cats or other dogs. It is especially important to do so, so the other animal does not feel that their place in the home is threatened. Take special care when introducing your puppy to animals at a dog park. You should wait at least 10 days after the puppies final set of vaccinations, so they do not get sick with a disease they are not fully vaccinated for.
Understand How to Treat Walks and Leash Training
When handling dog behavior it is important to know about how to handle on an off leash training. For example, a young puppy should spend about 20% of their walk sniffing and getting to know the area and 80% of their time walking. It is important for the dogs to have fun and enjoy themselves, while also understanding that the walk is an opportunity for exercise and to go to the bathroom. Off leash obedience training is also important because when you take your dog to a dog park, you want him or her to come when you call. Having dog training can help you get your dog used to coming back to you when you call them.
If you have a puppy or a young dog, it is good to start them on dog obedience training while they are young. By knowing what types of things you will work on, such as getting used to other animals, being introduced to people, and taking walks you can help your dog become a well-adjusted individual as they grow older.
