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People typically ask me, “I just got a new puppy when shall I start working on his training?” I rapidly shoot back, “You ought to start working on puppy training the moment you bring home your new pup!”
Whether you like it or not puppy training starts on day 1. Your puppy is continuously learning new things. because your pup is already learning you may as well instruct him good behaviors rather than bad behaviors.
Teaching Your Puppy Obedience Training
We started working on Derby’s training the moment we picked him up from guide Dogs of America We started by first allowing him to feel the texture of turf for the first time and by letting him “get busy” on the grass. We also dealt with easy things like teaching him to sit and wait before he ate his food. He got so good at his sit-stays and down-stays he could do them with his eyes closed…literally…
Derby is so good at down-stays he can do them with his eyes closed ?
Derby actually isn’t doing his down-stays with his eyes closed we just happened to catch him mid-blink ?
So what are a few things you ought to think about teaching your pup the moment you get home?
Leash and collar – many pups have never worn these two things
Crate training
Potty training
Sit and wait for meals
Cradling and being handled from head to toe
Puppy’s are adorable! We tend to let them get away with much more than they should. I typically times see people let their pups do things that will bite them in the ass when their puppy is older. here are a few things you ought to think long and hard about before allowing your pup to form bad habits:
Jumping up on people – An lovable 7 week old 10 pound Labrador Retriever is pretty cute when jumping up on your leg for attention. If you allow him to do this he’s learning it’s alright to jump up on people. now think how much you will delight in this behavior when he’s an 80 lb adult dog!?
Sitting on your lap – That same 10 pound lab puppy fits nicely on your lap, but can you say the same when he wants to sit there as an 80 lb dog?
Barking for attention – It might be cute when they have a little voice, but when they get that big canine voice it might not be so fun. I would avoid encouraging this behavior.
While your first day at home with your new puppy can be a lot of fun your puppy’s first night home can typically be very challenging as it’s his first day away from his momma an litter mates. here are a few suggestions just in case you’re having some issues with your pups first night at home.
If you’re searching for some much more ideas on things you might want to do and not want to do on your first day of puppy training then check out one of our favorite puppy starter books, Puppies For Dummies (aff link).
So when did you start working on your puppy’s training? Did you start working on basic obedience skills from day 1? tell us about your puppy training experiences in the comment section below.
Top picks For Our Puppies
BEST PUPPY toy We Like: Calmeroos Puppy toy w/ heartbeat and heat Packs – ideal for new puppies. helps ease anxiety in their new home.
BEST canine CHEW We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks – all of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
BEST canine treats We Like: crazy canine Train-Me treats – We use these as our high-value treats for our guide canine puppies.
BEST FRESH canine FOOD We Like: The Farmer’s canine – A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh canine food and she loves it! get 50% off your first purchase of The Farmer’s Dog.
Check out much more of our favorites on our new Puppy Checklist.