Don't let your emotions stand in the way
You are that dog's caregiver, so it's imperative that you check your human baggage before you even think about getting a pup. Once that wonderful bundle of energy comes home with you, your number one training assignment is to make sure your human emotions don't stand in the way of bringing up an emotionally and physically healthy dog.
Start right away
Puppy training should start immediately. If you can't dedicate time and effort into providing the best possible pup parenting, don't get a puppy! Get one of those robot dogs. I've met plenty of people who say their vet told them that puppies don't need training before the age of one. And many say that puppies can't be trained before that age. Maybe these vets knew only inadequate trainers, but whatever the case, puppies do need a lot of training, and they can be trained, during their first year of life.
That said, I don't recommend "puppy class." It sounds cute, right? Well, cute is not going to give you a well-behaved and well-balanced animal. Puppies learn best from older dogs. During their first weeks of life, for instance, pups spend most of their time sleeping and watching their mom, and they start following her around as their bodies strengthen. Then they keep on learning from their mom and from older dogs, which is why I never offer puppies-only classes. Instead, I mix them up with dogs of all ages and with my older, helper dogs to ensure they learn the skills they need.
Page 1 of 2 – Read Brad's best 10 tips for training a puppy on page 2.
