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When Can Dogs Start Learning?
It’s never a bad time to start training. The best time is now!
Introduction - Read This First!
Short Answer: Never Too Early!
For puppies, learning manners and some basic commands sooner is always better. It’s never too early to learn manners, and the sooner you can teach them, the more natural manners will be for your puppy as they get older!
For adult dogs, the old saying of “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is 100% totally WRONG! Dogs of any age can learn new behaviors and even fun tricks!
So whether you brought home your best friend when they were just a little puppy, or when they were already all grown up, the only thing you need to worry about is deciding what you want them to learn!
What Is Most Important For Puppies To Learn?
Ask any dog trainer and they’ll tell you – the most important thing for puppies to learn is to be comfortable around people and other dogs. This is called socializing and it’s best to start as early as possible. Check out our other lessons about socializing puppies to learn more: WHAT EVEN IS SOCIALIZATION.
What Is Most Important For Adult Dogs To Learn?
Overview
Your goals when you bring home an adult dog are probably very unique – just as unique as the dog themself! However, most owners tend to have 3 main goals. These are very realistic goals, even for a rescue dog with no previous training!
Goal 1: Potty Training
Peeing and pooping in the house makes everything else so much more stressful! So one of your first goals should be to teach your new dog when and where to go potty. Get started right now!
Goal 2: Barking And Chewing
Barking and chewing is just as stressful as pottying in the house. You want a new friend, not a little monster who’s going to destroy your home!
Goal 3: Huggable
We all get dogs because we want a friend, so making sure your dog is comfortable with you and other people is super important! For this type of training you want to make sure you take it slow and have a trainer who know if your dog is uncomfortable with how you’re handling them.
These are all very realistic goals, even for a rescue dog with no previous training!
What Do ALL Dogs Need To Learn?
It’s very important for all dogs to learn manners when it comes to people – not jumping up and how to sit to be polite. Luckily we’ll cover this in JUMPING UP and SIT FOR EVERYTHING, so keep reading!
Still Have Questions?