Training Tips and Suggestions
We want to set you and your new family member up for success when it comes to training. We want to be sure that you know what to expect before committing to one of our puppies. We HIGHLY encourage that you enroll your puppy in puppy classes as soon as they are finished with their "Puppy" shots (Usually by 16 weeks). Below you will find our tips and suggestions when it comes to training your puppy. We have a degree in basic and advanced dog training, agility and trick training. We offer group classes, private classes and boarding. Please reach out to us with any training questions!
*Find a positive reinforcement trainer and get your puppy enrolled in classes.
*Socialize your puppy once they have completed their puppy shots (16 Weeks). Local Petco and Petsmarts host free puppy playtimes (Call them for specifics).
*It is easier to train a wanted behavior than to correct and unwanted behavior.
*Don't carry your puppy everywhere as it can lead to unwanted jumping.
*There is ALWAYS a solution to any problem, read up on the issue, contact us or consult a trainer.
- We suggest getting at 36' crate for your puppy-
We HIGHLY recommend crate training your puppy. Dogs in the wild seek out "dens" that are just big enough for them to turn around. Dens provide a feeling of security and safety for the dog similar to what a crate will provide. Crate training is extremely effective when potty training a puppy as dogs do not want to potty where they sleep/spend time. We recommend that you crate your puppy or have them in a secure area when you are not actively engaging with them, at night and when you are gone. The crate should ALWAYS be a positive thing for your puppy, we suggest a special treat or toy that they only get when crated. Be sure to crate your puppy when you are home for random increments of time, that way they wont associate the crate with you leaving.
We also recommend that you purchase a crate cover (you can use a blanket or sheet) which will provide even more security for your puppy, please be sure to make sure there is ventilation to prevent your puppy from getting to warm. Crating your puppy will provide them with their own space (bedroom) in which they can relax and enjoy quiet time.
Most puppies should be able to sleep through the night without a potty break by 4 months of age, but if you are in doubt, take him outside.
*Place your crate in a low traffic area (laundry room, garage, spare room).
*Provide white noise when you leave (TV, Radio, fan).
*Start with short increments of crating (10 minutes or so).
*Special treat specific to the crate (Stuffed Kong / special flavored treat).
*Take your puppy out to potty as soon as they get out of the crate.
*Puppies are highly intelligent and will learn which behaviors get your attention, so if they bark or whine in there crate, be sure to ignore them.
Come is the most important commands to teach your puppy. You want your pup to come to you not matter what the circumstance! Puppies quickly learn that they are only called when they "have" to come. If you only call your pup when you want them to come inside or go in their crate, they will not want to come.
*Call your puppy randomly and treat them with 3 separate treats.
*Say "Come" and make kissy noises and clap to keep your puppies attention while they come.
Food FYI ( All Life Stages vs. Age Appropriate)
What does “All Life Stages” mean?
In order for a food to be classified for “all life stages”, it must pass a certain protocol used by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to determine if the food has the nutrient content necessary to fully support four stages of life. These are gestation, lactation, growth, and maintenance. A food with this classification may be used for a pet in any of these life stages so long as the correct amount is fed. However, certain specific life stage foods may be more appropriate in meeting the nutritional needs of puppies, large breed dogs, small breed dogs, and those needing to control or lose weight.
We recommend that you feed age appropriate food for your puppy.
Puppy - 8 Weeks until 1 Year
Adult - 1 Year until 7 Years
Senior - 7+ Years
Weight Management - Feed only if your vet recommends this based on your puppy current weight.
For more training tips and suggestions please see the following:
My Puppy Won’t Leave the Cat Alone
How Do I Get My Puppy to Stop Nipping Me?
The Importance of Teaching Your Puppy How to Be Alone
The Three D's of Dog Training: Duration, Distance, and Distraction