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Puppy Obedience Training Essentials

Apr 24, 2025

Basic Obedience Training for Puppies: Where to Start

Introduction

  • Bringing home a new puppy is exciting but overwhelming.
  • Essential to set the right behaviors and expectations during puppyhood.
  • Starts with puppy obedience training.

Choosing the Right Training Method

  • Factors to consider:
    • Distance and convenience of classes.
    • Training methods and class fit.
    • Instructor's personality and qualifications.
    • Socialization opportunities and personal training options.

Puppy Training Options

Home vs. Group Classes

  • Home Training:
    • Focus on personalized training needs.
    • Ideal in remote areas with no training schools.
  • Group Classes:
    • Helps puppies focus amid distractions.
    • Encourages socialization.

Selecting an Instructor

  • Observe classes to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Look for positive reinforcement training.
  • Evaluate the environment: Dogs should appear happy and relaxed.
  • Comfort in the training setting is crucial for success.

Trainer vs. Behaviorist

  • Trainers: Address symptoms, can be certified.
  • Behaviorists: Diagnose underlying causes, may refer to trainers.
  • Ensure digital training tools are from credentialed sources.

Types of Obedience Classes

  • Puppy Classes: Start from 8 weeks old.
  • Progress through AKC STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and advanced classes.
  • Sports Classes: Agility, Rally, and Flyball for advanced learning and competition.

Using Training Apps

  • Apps provide additional training resources and schedule flexibility.
  • Features of a good training app:
    • Bite-sized lessons.
    • Information on behavior, socialization, and body language.
    • Access to live trainers for guidance.

Common Training Problems

  • Acceptable dog behaviors may not suit humans.
  • Consistency in rules and rewarding positive behavior is important.
  • Dogs must learn acceptable human behaviors.

Finding a Dog Trainer

  • Use AKC Training Clubs and CGC Evaluators.
  • Seek recommendations from owners of well-behaved dogs you observe.

Promotions and Resources

  • AKC offers affiliate programs and promotions for products and services.