When you first bring your puppy home, it’s easy to get so caught up in the transition that you forget one of the most important parts—training. Training is a vital step in adopting a pet, as it allows you to teach them obedience early on and establish a strong understanding that’ll last their lifetime. Many owners know that they should start training their puppy right away. However, few understand exactly how old their dog should be when they begin for maximum effectiveness. Read on to learn the best age to start dog obedience training and why this stage in their development is crucial.
Basic Puppy Development
Before we can discuss a puppy’s training needs, we must look into how they develop. From the time they’re born, puppies constantly grow. In fact, by the three-week mark, their senses become fully developed, and they’re ready to explore the environment around them. So, when you bring them home around six to seven weeks into their life, they’re ready to begin socializing and learning their place in the world. This is why seven weeks old is the best age to start dog obedience training.
Seven to Eight Weeks Old
When a puppy reaches seven to eight weeks of age, they’re physically mature enough to play and socialize with other dogs and people. Exposing them to many different experiences during this time is essential for reducing fear and teaching them the correct ways to behave. So, instilling the basics at this time can help your dog maintain positive habits further into their life.
Nine to Twelve Weeks Old
Once you have basic obedience knowledge, you can start formal training classes that teach more complicated commands. This is when your pup will develop positive behavioral traits. You should learn the most efficient techniques to steer them away from bad habits. Staying consistent with training during this stage and after it is the key to ensuring your puppy fits perfectly within your family unit.
Though training your puppy might seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. We at Acadia Canine Academy use our decades of experience to provide you with guidance throughout this process. Our dog behavior training services walk you through everything you need to know and keep your pet engaged along the way. You can make the most out of each session and feel confident that you’re on the path to success.