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When to Start Training a Puppy

When to Start Training a Puppy

A lot of preparation goes into bringing home a new puppy, and pet parents who are doing it for the first time might forget to add training to a long to-do list that already includes stocking up on essentials, puppy proofing their home and bonding, especially in those special early days. But the truth is, puppies can—and should—begin some form of training a lot earlier than you might expect.

Since puppies tend to have short attention spans, formal and group training should be put on hold at least until after they’ve had their initial round of vaccinations. In the meantime, you can get your puppy interested and acclimated to the idea of training with short sessions at home. Here’s what to know.

When to socialize your puppy

Early puppy socialization is essential to raising a dog who gets along well with other dogs and people and is comfortable in a variety of situations. Without proper socialization, a dog can become skittish and uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments. Puppy socialization can typically be broken down into two different types:

  1. Environmental socialization. Socializing your puppy to different environments can begin as soon as you bring them home, as long as they’re safe environments for unvaccinated puppies like your yard and home. Acclimating your puppy to different types of environmental factors like textures to walk on, noises and sights, is important to help them become less skittish when they enter new places as they grow. Environmental socialization can begin as soon as puppies begin weaning and, in fact, most breeders and rescue groups begin training puppies to new environmental factors before they even send them to their forever homes, getting them used to different items they may encounter. Using positive reinforcement is the best method to train a puppy, including using rewards and praise when they do something you’ve asked them to.
  2. Socialization with people and other dogs. Socializing with other dogs and people outside your home can typically begin at about 16 weeks old, after your puppy has had all their vaccinations. This might start with one-on-one puppy play dates in your own home or a friend’s home and move on to quick outings to the local dog park. Keep these initial meetings short, building up to longer play dates as your dog becomes more comfortable. Pay close attention and learn your dog’s body language. It’s important to be able to identify when your dog is becoming stressed, agitated or annoyed so that you can remove them from the situation before things escalate.

When to start potty training

Puppies should start house training as soon as they arrive home (typically at around 8 weeks old). Depending on your living situation, however, you may want to begin by using puppy pads or turf pads indoors and graduating to outdoor training at around 16 weeks old, once they’ve been fully vaccinated and it’s safer for them to walk on all surfaces. By this time, your pup will likely have more control of their bowel and body movements and may be more receptive to learning when to hold it and where to go.

When beginning potty training, remember, routine matters. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule while training, and take them out at the same times every day, generally first thing in the morning and then every 30 minutes to an hour throughout the rest of the day. Bring them to the same spot every time. To help reinforce your expectations, their potty spot should be separate from their play area.

When to start puppy school

Traditionally speaking, your puppy can start formal puppy school within a small group class once they’ve been fully vaccinated and are about 16 weeks old. However, since puppy school can also take place in a one-on-one setting or even online, you may begin a training program after your puppy has their first round of shots, be sure to contact the training program you are interested in to learn about any specifics. Finding the right format for you (and them) may take a little trial and error.

Puppy training can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting early and often with the basics helps put your dog into the training mindset. Then, once they’ve been vaccinated, group lessons with the experts at Petco can help them perfect and fine-tune their all-important social skills.

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