Hey Canine Readers,
A Puppies first Month of Training is crucial to raising a well mannered and socialized dog.
What Does the First Month of Training look like?
Week 1: Time to Adjust and Settling in for your Puppies first Month of Training (8-9 weeks = 2 months old)
Try to not expect too much from your dogs in the first week after you bring them home. Let them explore and adjust to this new life away from their parents and litter mates. One thing you do not have to wait for is to begin Potty Training in this first month, get them on a schedule and keep them on it. Being home the first week to properly schedule and observe the dogs feeding and water schedules will help potty training in the long run. If you cannot watch them with 100% supervision they need to go into the crate. An introduction to the Name Game, is a great foundation game of training.
Week 2: Introduction to Basic Commands and Training into everyday life
Some puppies may need the whole first month to fully adjust to the new schedule/routine you build. That is OK and normal. If your dog seems comfortable enough begin with the Sit Cue. Which is when the dog’s behind is on the ground. When you start training I recommend starting with no words and use your body language to communicate to the dog. Check out our YouTube channel to learn more on how to train a sit. Practice sits before doorways and before giving them food. Don’t expect perfection when starting training, take it one day at a time and take the good times with the imperfect. I also highly recommend starting positive groom handling with their paws and teeth cleaning as well. Check out these posts to learn more about Grooming and Teeth cleaning for your dog.
Week 3: Keeping building on Basic Training
Keep working on your sit cue and incorporating them into your daily life. Now you can begin with introducing the leash to them more. They are not ready for mile long walks keep it short and intentional meaning structured and work on focus and loose leash. Name Game can be used outside as well introducing using it with distractions.
Week 4: Time for Group Training
Now that you have had some time to introduce your puppy to some their name, sit and leash skills it is time you take it to the professionals and find a group class to take near you. Typically they are 6 weeks long and are 1 hour class once a week. They are a great and affordable way to meet other owners, ask a professional a question and work in a distracted area. Also the social benefits for your dog are unlimited.
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