Mary Allen
Dog training begins at a very young age when the four-legged friends are still puppies. However, for everything a dog needs to learn in life, there is a right time.
A small puppy is not yet the right age for the basic commands of dog training. This only comes later when the young four-legged friend has learned who its owners are, where he is allowed to do his business and where his sleeping place is.
Early Dog Training for Small Puppies
A reputable dog breeder will take care of the right dog training for very small puppies. The little ones’ mother is there for them, but even puppies have to learn that they can trust people, children, and other pets. At that age, they should also become familiar with everyday noises such as vacuum cleaners, clattering cookware, falling objects, and get used to driving a car, their transport box, and being carried.
If the four-legged addition to the family comes to your house, you have to let them know who their new confidants are. The dog must be able to rely on you, so be consistent, fair, and loving even when training the puppy. With hand and body signals as well as vocal modulation, you can teach your puppy from a young age to pay attention to you and to listen to you. Show the newcomer where he can sleep, where his food bowl is, and set up a corner for his defecation. You can also teach the little newcomer how to be housebroken.
Right Age for Basic Commands
Before the seventh month, the puppy still has to learn too many other basic rules, find its bearings in its new home with its new caregivers, and is not yet able to concentrate very well. Dogs are only receptive to basic commands such as “sit”, “down”, “stay” and “heel” when they are about six to seven months old. Praise the dog when it does something right and use positive reinforcement this way. Make time every day to train your dog, no matter what age your furry friend is. Play with him, go for a walk and make clear announcements.
The latter applies in particular to young dogs that are going through puberty, i.e. from around the eighth month of life. Like human teenagers, they test their limits, see how far they can go, and then need a particularly consistent upbringing. However, clarity and consistency are not synonymous with hardness. Instead of harsh words and punishments, patience and safety are required. Divide the training lessons into individual, concrete training steps and only practice briefly, but several times a day, each “teaching unit” until your four-legged friend has mastered it. Only then can the curriculum continue.
If you want to do dog sports with your four-legged friend that is physically demanding – for example, agility or draft dog sports – wait until they are fully grown. Otherwise, the unusual movement can affect the joints when the four-legged friend is still growing.
Dog Training in Old Age
Even adult and older dogs can still learn, even if it may take a little longer if unwanted behavior has already been ingrained. You can even teach senior dogs tricks – of course in an age-appropriate way. In old age, they are usually not as quick and agile physically as they were when they were young, but they are happy when they can use their heads or make use of their excellent nose, for example in nose work and hidden object games.