Dog Training

When Should You Start Dog Training?

Dog training is a very important part of your pet’s development and as their owner, it’s up to you to start training your puppy when you bring them home. Training courses are one of the best ways to teach a dog all of the basic commands, like sit and stay, as well as general behavioral skills and social skills.

With the right training from a young age, your puppy will grow into a healthy, happy adult dog. But a lot of owners are unsure when they should start their training and how much a puppy is able to learn from a young age. You don’t need to be concerned about starting too early because puppies are designed to take in a lot, and the earlier you start, the better.

From using commands like sit, stay, and down to fixing barking and digging, you’ll learn how to improve your dog’s behavior—and create a lifelong bond. A really good book to help you read up on dog training is Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog.

Is it Too Late to Train My Dog?

It’s never too late! Did you get a puppy a year or two ago, and then time just flew by and you missed out on enrolling for dog training classes and teaching basic commands to your dog? This is not anywhere close to “too late”. While it is never too late to train any dog, a 2 year old dog is actually still very young – just a teenager. Some breeds, especially large breeds don’t mature mentally until they are 2-3 years old, and big dogs will grow physically for nearly that long as well.

Whether your dog needs help with leash training, potty training, manners and polite behavior around people – now is the time to start working with him. Please don’t hold off on training because you believe it is too late. A 2 year old dog is only 15% into his overall lifespan. That means that if you teach him manners and good behaviors now, you will have a lovely, well-trained dog for the next 13+ years!

How to Find the Right Dog Training for You

The first step after getting a new puppy or dog is to visit Whitworth Animal Clinic. Dr. Whitworth will give your new pet a thorough examination to ensure he is healthy and to explain any animal breed specific health issues that you should be monitoring going forward.

Dr. Whitworth has been caring for dogs over 30 years and knows the area well. He will be glad to give you recommendations for dog trainers in the Madison and Huntsville locations.