When to Start Training Your Puppy?
One of the most common questions that guardians ask is: what is the best age to start training a dog? Although many believe they should wait until the puppy is a few months old, the truth is that training can begin from the first day the puppy arrives home. The skills they acquire during this initial phase will have a lasting impact on their future behaviour.
The Developmental Stages of the Dog
From birth, dogs go through various stages of development, each with specific training and health needs. Training a puppy, an adult dog, or a geriatric dog is not the same; therefore, it is essential to adapt training techniques to each stage.
Puppy Phase: 6 to 12 Weeks
Most puppies arrive at their new home between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this time, they have gone through the transition stage, where they have learned the basics of communication with their mother and siblings. Once home, training should focus on:
-Hygiene: Teach him to relieve himself in a suitable place.
-Bite control: Learn to moderate the force of your bite.
-Independence: Get used to being alone for short periods of time.
-Socialisation: Interact appropriately with people and other animals.
-Habituation: Handling new situations and minor stressors.
Juvenile Phase: From 3 to 9 Months
From the age of 3 months, your puppy enters a stage known as canine adolescence, where exploration and destructive behaviour may be common. This is critical:
-Walking on a leash: Teach him to walk well on and off the lead.
-Environmental enrichment: Provide toys that satisfy their need to explore.
-Rest and self-control: Help him learn to relax and control his impulses.
-Emotional training: A happy and confident dog learns better. Encourages confidence and fun in training.
Young Adult Phase: 1 to 3 years old
During this stage, the dog is looking for its place in the family and may show territorial behaviour. It is crucial to work on these behaviours to maintain harmony in the home and in the parks.
Adult Dog Phase: From 3 years of age onwards
An adult dog shows a stable and balanced behaviour, as long as the previous training has been adequate. The relationship with your adult dog should be sound and harmonious.
Geriatric Phase: From 7 to 12 years of age.
When a dog enters its geriatric stage, its needs change. It is essential to adjust their daily routine to maintain their quality of life, adapting walks and games to their physical capacity.
Conclusion
Dog training is an ongoing process that must be adapted to the different stages of a dog's life. Starting early and adjusting training techniques to their development not only encourages good behaviour, but also strengthens the bond between dog and handler.
If you want to start with the education of your puppy in Guau Events we have the experience and knowledge necessary to make your puppy its best version. Check our solutions here.
