Early Puppy Training Guidelines

It's important start early puppy training. One reason is because the puppy might be developing bad behaviors that could become habits very quickly; the other is because it is a great way to bond with each other. Give them some freedom until it's around 4 to 6 months old.

Keep in mind just because you're not formally training your puppy when it's very young does not mean you shouldn't work on socialization skills and make an effort to keep it safe and secured when you are in public places. Buying a well-fitting collar or harness and leash is important when you're going to be in public places.

This is for other people's benefit as well as your puppy's own safety. You don't want your excited little one to suddenly run out onto a busy street. There may even be a leash law in your area that prohibits letting your dog run free.

Keep your puppy is close to you when you go to a park or other public place. They might accidentally bother an older dog, which could result in an accident. On the flipside, your dog might get over excited and accidentally hurt a person or another dog.

The best thing you can do for a growing puppy is to make sure his bones are going to be strong as well as his lungs. Make sure your puppy is getting enough time outside and enough exercise. Exercise is the best way to ensure this.

Daily exercise, even if it's cut short on some days is best for a growing pup. A bonus to getting outside and exercising is that your they will start to get used to strangers in public places, this helps build confidence in a shy/timid puppy. This is very important for when he is older. Dogs who are exercised tend to sleep better.

Formal Training

When your puppy is over 4 months old you can begin formal dog training. It is best to start at this young age, older dogs get stuck in their ways and can be lot harder to train. Don't start out with the hardest training with these young ones, start with just five to ten minutes a day.

He won't be able to stand much training at first, puppies tire easily and loose concentration quickly. Make sure these sessions are regular and held at the same time every day or as close as possible. This routine will show your puppy that you are serious about these lessons. A good trick you can try is to wear the same shoes or jacket, that way your dog will develop an association between that and training sessions.

I consider the two easiest and most important ones to start with are:

Heel

1. Walk steadily alongside your dog they should be wearing a collar or harness (depending on their size) and a leash. Keep your puppy on your left side.

2. Slap your thigh and say HEEL every so often

3. Your dog might get distracted or not follow your lead at first. Keep walking and your pup will start to understand.

4. When your dog starts to follow you reward the behavior by petting him and saying that he is a good dog or some other happy term.

5. If you have a stubborn dog that will not cooperate you need to be firm and say HEEL. Again, reward the behavior when it is corrected.

Sit

1. Teaching your puppy to sit is a vital skill. To start, have your dog walk by your left side, and then stop.

2. Put the leash in your right hand and pull on the collar.

3. Press down on your dog's rear end with your left hand, practically forcing your dog to sit.

4. As you press down, be sure to say SIT in a firm voice.

5. Repeat this process and praise your puppy when he completes the action.

6. Continue walking and repeat over again throughout your ten minute walk.

Once these two are mastered you will have better control of your puppy when in public places. Keep in mind training is an ongoing process. You can practice these everyday during your regular exercise sessions.