For a dog, discipline comes through consistency with the right training protocols. This is why it is important to train your dog so that it develops discipline. Pet owners have to train their dogs effectively. For this, you will have to know the best time for dog training.
Training a dog at the right time will ensure the pet is ready for the next phase of life. Moreover, it ensures your dog is not left to pick up bad behaviors, instead, it picks up good manners and proper conduct. The right timing will ensure that the puppy will behave well and when they grow up, they will not be a threat to other dogs and people.
Knowing the best time for dog training is important for every pet owner. This will ensure your dog does not miss any important lessons appropriate for their age. Ideally, training should begin at an early age. However, older dogs can still undergo training, they just need more time and patience. Always remember that you will have to start with the basics before moving to advanced lessons.
In all this, the question that matters is what is the best time for dog training? This article will focus on this, as well as side notes that will ensure successful pet training.
When is the best time for dog training?
Some pet owners say, “train it when it’s a puppy”, while others will say do it when it’s old. While all these people might be correct, it is good to note that there are skills the dog should learn when it’s young and others when it’s old. This means training a dog should begin between when the puppy is 7-8 weeks to when it’s fully grown.
Start with the basics like sitting, standing, stopping, and other important vocal commands. As you advance, you can teach them to roll over or shake. The training should be incremental so that it is easy for the dog to learn. Note that you will use basic skills to teach other complex skills. Therefore, ensure you don't miss out on anything.
The Ideal age to train a dog
You can start training your puppy from the moment you bring it home. When the puppy is 7 weeks, you should train it on some basic OBEDIENCE commands (walk, sit, and stop). This goes all the way till the puppy is 6 months old when the formal training needs to start. Formal training is where you teach your dog how to use a collar or a leash. During this juvenile age, the dog takes in a lot of skills mostly from the experience.
It will be easy to do the formal training if you have been nurturing it from a puppy. The problem comes in with an adopted dog that is already matured. Here you will have to make it unlearn some unpleasant behaviors from the previous environment.
Quick fact: the best time for dog training is immediately when you get it and if it's a puppy when it reaches 8 weeks. Then, let the formal training begin at the 6-month mark. Here is the ideal schedule for training your pet.
7-8 Weeks Training (Obedience Commands)
During this time, the dog's attention spans are low, therefore, you need to train it with simple understandable traits. It can easily pick up obedience commands like stop, stay, sit, etc. During this time you need to be gentle with the puppy. Positive reinforcement is a fruitful method you can use. Encouraging and motivating the dog using rewards will also make it trust you.
9-12 Weeks Training (Socialization Commands)
This is an age when the puppy starts to be jumpy and restless. During this phase, you can advance the basic commands. This is a good time to lay a foundation on basics like their name (make it a good name!), proper hygiene, potty training, and good manners. Also, teach it early socialization with family and some close friends. Make sure to have a daily schedule. For every skill you teach your dog, make sure you do some recalls so that the pup perfects it.
At this age, it is safe to introduce it to a leash and harness and ensure that they are comfortable with it. You can consider ArtemisPaw’s Hand-free leash. Another important trait is to teach them to be waiting in the doorways. This is a cool practice to ensure your pet does not go into every open room.
3- 6 Months (Complex Training Routines)
Your puppy is now mature enough for more complex training. This is the best time for dog training techniques like moving around the compound. Introducing fun activities with commands is a great way to remind your buddy of important commands. Let the pup interact with other friendly puppies, this is after receiving all the vaccinations it needs.
Furthermore, train the dog to sit for long hours without moving now and then. After your dog learns all the above training, you can introduce it to the outside world. Frequent walks are good for this stage. During every walk, ensure you pay attention to see its training progress.
6 Mon - 1 yr. old (formal Training)
Your puppy now knows all basic commands, socializing with people and other dogs, walking with a leash, etc. At this age, keep reminding them of all the commands, since this is easier on a practical basis. Build structure for the dog because this is the adolescent phase and it can now act on its own.
At this stage, it's a good idea to start going out for runs and walking longer distances. In case of any new skill the dog needs, be sure to train it.
Success tips to train your dog
There are important tips that should lead a pet owner to ensure good results during the best time for dog training. These are appropriate for optimal results.
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Start early – Starting early ensures every opportunity is useful to teach the dog basic skills. Pet owners who start early instill more skills to the dog.
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Maximize on consistency and patience – Being consistent is one perfect skill for dog owners. Sometimes the dog needs more time to learn. You should thus, be patient, don’t feel angry repeating the basic commands.
- Use Lures & Treats – Lures and treats are good to make the dog trust you. Moreover, they act as motivation to the pup.
Conclusion
As a pet owner mastering the best time for dog training is a great way to ensure effectiveness. This will ensure your furry pet is ready for all phases of life. Moreover, you will be a happy owner. When you know your dog’s behavior with family, friends and other dogs are well-mannered, you will be at peace.