How old should your pup be before you start training?

The general consensus amongst the owners that I have met, is that they think training should start at 6 months old.

I find this so surprising as by then, most dogs are well on their way into ‘teenagerhood’ and the owners have missed out on some valuable training time.

Between 6-18 months is the time when pups might begin to get that extra mischevious spark about them – yes that’s right, chewing the skirting boards, pulling up the carpet, eating your favourite shoes…etc etc…and of course, continued training is essential to either redirect or change the undesired behaviours.

However, you can start training your pup at the early age of 8 WEEKS OLD!

We’re not talking gruelling training regimes but gentle training, a couple of sessions for a few minutes every day.

You will be amazed at how quickly young pups can learn and seeing them offer behaviours to get a reward can be great fun.

Try teaching your pup to sit and down – and if you don’t want to give lots of treats you can use puppy’s dinner and feed it in small amounts as you are training.

Of course, you can’t expect a pup to train intensively for hours or do half hour long ‘stays’ – they are only youngsters remember!

But, some training each day will pave the way to a well behaved teen (although some nortyness is always a sign of a spirited pupster and isn’t a bad thing in my opinion!).

Training is an ongoing process that you should carry out as part of your daily comings and goings – the more effort you put in, the more you and your dog will get out of it.

So what are you waiting for!? Train That Pup!!