Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Start Training!

You ARE planning on training that new pup of yours, right? Delaying the training of a pup just gives the dog more time to develop bad habits and behaviors, and increases the chances the dog will be given away to a shelter.

Some Benchmarks:

You should start house training and puppy manners lessons from 8 weeks of age.
Socialization should start the day you bring your puppy home... with other animals and with a variety of people and situations.
By 4 months of age, the pup should be already on track with the house training.
No later than 4 months of age, you should enroll your dog in obedience classes.
By 6 months of age, your dog should not be peeing or pooping in the home, and should go potty on command. Your pup should be pretty well mannered, and good with guests. Your pup should be regularly playing with other friendly dogs on a weekly basis. Your dog should know how to walk on a leash without pulling. Your dog should be able to Sit Stay, Down Stay, Come when called, and Heel... on and off leash in moderately distracting environments.
By 2 years of age, your dog should be able to obey you within 100 yards, off leash, with distractions, be good with other dogs and people, completely trustworthy in the home (no accidents and no destructive behaviors).


Is your pup on track?

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