Who can resist a puppy’s adorable little face, wiggly body, boundless energy or enthusiasm for life, and unconditional love? Nobody, that’s who!
Unfortunately, this cuteness overload can make us forget that puppies need consistent training and guidance. But is it too early to teach your four-legged friend invaluable life lessons? No, and according to Momentum K9 Dog Training, it gives your fur buddy a head start in life, ensuring they have the manners and skills to become a well-adjusted canine. But how necessary is early training? Uncover the answer by reading on.
1. Ensures Proper Socialization
You’ve probably met a child so well adapted to social situations you wondered if their parents had been training them since birth. Well, your puppy needs the same training to become an upstanding canine citizen. And no, we’re not merely referring to teaching them to sit or roll over – it’s all about shaping them into a well-rounded, socialized doggo.
And how do you go about it? Simply put, by introducing them to all sorts of situations. For instance, you may consider supervised playtime with kids so they’re comfortable when children come to visit.
Or, expose your pup to different environments like the vet’s office or dog parks and other places. Likewise, you can make mealtimes more sociable by letting them interact with other pets or people.
Even so, don’t throw your pup into the deep end immediately – ease them into it. Otherwise, highly stimulating environments could do more harm than good – drowning them in sensory overload.
Start them off in the ‘kiddie pool’ and work your way up gradually. That way, they can eventually charm everyone with their social skills, as they’ll know how to put their best foot forward in every situation. Who wouldn’t want that?
2. Promotes Positive Behavior
It’s an open secret that puppies have an innate desire to please their parents. But that doesn’t happen by chance. Unwanted behaviors, when left to fester, can create a snowball effect. Before you know it, your furry friend has developed a list of bad habits.
Early training helps you nip unsavory habits in the bud, enabling your pup to understand the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. For instance, it’s not uncommon for pups to jump at guests, uproot flowerbeds, nip at ankles, bark at strangers, raid the trash, or bolt out of open doors. The right training methods and tools, such as positive reinforcement, can curb such behaviors before they spiral out of control.
Similarly, you can house-train your pup, helping them understand the location of the bathroom or to ‘hold it’ if the potty area is inaccessible. You may also teach them to inform you when they need to go by barking, ringing a bell, or pawing – whatever works for them. Otherwise, they could stain your Persian rug or tear apart your favorite shoes.
3. Strengthens Your Bond
Training shows your puppy that you care enough to invest time and effort into their development, which can go a long way in building a solid bond. Okay, they might not interpret it that way, but hey, every pup wishes for a little extra attention and care – who doesn’t?
Plus, training helps you better understand each other – the more you learn about them, the better your communication. And as a result, you can forge a great relationship based on trust since you know they won’t embarrass or disappoint you.
Besides, training establishes structure in your puppy’s life. They know you’re the leader and, thus, learn to respect and follow your lead.
4. Boosts Their Confidence
Dogs, regardless of size, are born to conquer their world. Unfortunately, some recoil at the sight of their shadow. Others don’t quite have the confidence to take on life’s obstacles.
Training can make all the difference – creating a strong foundation of basic commands, socialization, and manners, which helps build their courage. Consequently, they can explore without fear. In other words, it equips them with the skills and knowledge to tackle anything with sure-footedness.
And the more they learn or experience, the higher the likelihood of becoming more adept and confident pups. Thus, training can turn your puppy into the brave little fluff ball they’re meant to be.
Case in point, training can alleviate separation anxiety, which can cause your pup to transform into a howling or destructive housemate when left alone. They might appear small, but they can create a mess so huge it makes your head spin.
The benefits of early training far outweigh the excuses we can think up – it’s worth every penny and effort. That said, a professional trainer might help if you don’t have the time or patience. Ensure your puppy begins life on the right paw by enrolling them in a training program today. You never know – they might be the next top dog at the park.
