Puppy Training Mistakes
There is a lot to think about before and just after you bring your new puppy home and, admittedly, it can be a very tiring first few weeks! Most people will bring their new puppy home at around eight to ten weeks of age and don’t tend to ask for help until problems start to occur. In my experience as a specialist puppy trainer, there are a few common mistakes I see people make when they first bring home their new puppy. Here are the top five - and how to avoid them!
Skipping Early Socialisation
Socialisation is one of the most critical aspects of raising a well-behaved and well-rounded confident dog. Puppies go through a crucial socialisation period between 3 to 16 weeks of age (roughly, all pups differ slightly). If they aren’t exposed to different people, animals, environments, sights, sounds and experiences during this time, you might have issues later on in life.
How to Avoid It: After a couple of days of settling in to your family and getting to know you, start to take your puppy out into the big wide world by carrying them either in your arms or a puppy papoose. Get them used to the sights, scents and sounds of the world that they are going to live in. Read my socialisation guide here.
Inconsistent Training
Many puppy owners unintentionally send mixed signals when training their puppy; allowing behaviours one day and not allowing them the next can confuse your puppy and slow their learning process.
How to Avoid It: Be consistent with commands, rewards and expectations. Ensure that everyone in the household follows the same rules and uses the same cues for training and decide on these before you bring your puppy home. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour with treats, praise or toys.
Overlooking Mental Stimulation
Many new puppy owners focus solely on physical exercise and neglect mental stimulation. A bored puppy can become destructive and develop bad habits and their need for mental stimulation is just as much as physical. In fact, the worst thing you can do is make your puppy physically tired but leave them mentally ‘wired’.
How to Avoid It: Engage your puppy in interactive play, puzzle toys and basic training exercises that challenge their brain. Teaching new tricks, nose work games and general puppy obedience can help keep them mentally engaged and prevent problem behaviours.
Expecting Too Much, Too Soon
Puppies don’t learn overnight. Some owners become frustrated when their puppy doesn’t pick up commands immediately or has accidents in the house. Remember, it takes time to learn the ways of our human world and to learn to become an adult dog! Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say.
How to Avoid It: Have patience and realistic expectations. Training takes time, repetition and consistency. Celebrate small wins and understand that setbacks are a normal part of the process. With persistence and positive reinforcement, your puppy will gradually learn what’s expected of them.
Waiting Too Long to Contact a Trainer
Some puppy owners wait until difficult behaviours become ingrained before seeking professional help. By then, changing these can be more difficult, especially if they have become established habits in your puppy.
How to Avoid It: Seek guidance from a professional dog trainer early and plan ahead for this - quality puppy trainers book up in advance! As a specialist puppy trainer, I can help you through every single step of raising your puppy and that is always best started as soon, or as close to, your puppy’s arrival. I would contact your chosen puppy trainer as soon as you have chosen your puppy from the breeder!
Raising the dog of your dreams starts with avoiding these common mistakes. By setting clear expectations, being consistent, socialising your puppy well and ensuring your puppy’s physical and mental needs are met, you’ll be on your way to having a happy, well-adjusted dog for years to come.
Are you struggling with puppy training? Contact me for support. I can help you raise your puppy in-person or online.