There are many reasons to train a puppy early. Above all, it keeps them healthy. Begin your Week 1 of Puppy Training with a mixture of the five areas of importance The most time sensitive puppy work is listed first, try and work on those first. Don’t be too stressed if you don’t do things in order. That is to say, it’s good to mix things up. Just don’t lose sight of what’s important.
Socialization is the process of developing positive relationships with other people and animals. Preparing the puppy to be comfortable in the world he must navigate.
Socialization
| Learn the significance of the 16 week window of opportunity when puppy training | See Development Poster, Birth-16 weeks |
| Begin the Socialization process | Go to: Socialization, Page 1 |
| Understand the right way to socialize | Go to: Socialization, “Seven Steps to Socialization” |
| Meet, Greet and Treat | Go to: Prevention, “Meet, Greet and Treat” |
| Learn how to troubleshoot | Go to: Socialization “Tip: If Your Puppy is Frightened” & A Social Schedule |
There are behaviors that dogs will do naturally that can cause problems. They may be preventable if you spend the time to teach your pup a safer alternative.
Prevention
| Understand the importance of developing a Soft Mouth | Go to: How Dogs Learn, “Soft Mouth” |
| Learn about Food Bowl Safety (and Hand Feeding) | Go to: Prevention, “Food Bowl and Hand Feeding Exercises” |
| Read up on Resource Guarding | Go to: Prevention, “Trade You” |
| Flying Solo (puppy needs alone time) | Go to: Prevention, “Flying Solo” |
Playing games with our dogs is essential and responsible. You might think, “They are games, how important can they be?” Think of them as enrichment for your new family member. Games contribute to your pup’s mental and physical well being. Dogs love to play. Games provide the opportunity for species-specific behaviors such as stalking, chasing and foraging.
Games
| Take it, Leave it | Go to: Games, “Take It, Leave It” |
| Why are Toys so important? – the best options – storage of toys | Go to: Getting Started, “Toys” & Games, “You Control the Games…” |
| Learn Hide and Go Seek/Find it! Games | Go to: Games, “Hide & Go Seek and Its Variations” |
| Play Chase Me | Watch: Youtube of how to play Chase Me |
Nothing beats early education. It is like working on a fresh unpainted canvas. The rewards of teaching a dog while she is still a puppy last the lifetime of the dog!
A dog’s life is enhanced when we take the time to teach them life skills. We are giving our dogs the skills they need in order to live with us harmoniously.
Life Skills
| Learn how to use the Release cue | Go to: Life Skills, “The Release” |
| Learn how to lure: Sit, Down and Stand sequence | Go to: Life Skills, “Sit, Down, & Stand” |
Much of what is natural for a dog clashes with our human way of life. The greater population would not accept someone chewing on the leg of the dining room table or through an electrical cord.We would not be too pleased if someone pooped in our living room or ran wildly over the furniture. We would be horrified and distressed if one of our family members was doing this. Yet these are natural behaviors of a dog. House Training can help calm these issues and get you on the right track.
House Training
| 100% Management of time | Go to: House Training, “Daily Routine — Why Structure is Importantand How Dogs Learn, “100% Management” |
| Crate training | Go to: House Training, Crate Training Page |
| Put Bathroom on cue | Go to: House Training, “Bathroom on Cue” |
Congratulations, you’re just completed your Week 1 Puppy Training! Keep up the great work!! Click here to carry on to Week 2 of training your puppy.
