Puppy Training 101

Starting training your puppy young (preferably at 8 weeks old) is important because, at this age, puppies are developmentally ready to begin learning and absorbing new information. Prior to 8 weeks, puppies are still focused on essential early development with their mother and littermates, such as learning basic social skills, bite inhibition, and proper play behavior. They rely on these early interactions to build the foundation for their behavior and overall well-being.

Waiting until 8 weeks allows them to have this crucial early socialization and bonding period, ensuring they are emotionally and physically prepared for the structured learning that comes with training. Once they reach 8 weeks, they are more open to human interaction, responding better to commands and structured training sessions. At this stage, they are also ready to begin their journey of socialization, which is vital to prevent fear or behavioral problems as they grow. Starting at 8 weeks ensures that your puppy is developmentally ready for the training process, setting them up for success in the long run.

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Training your Mini Goldendoodle puppy is an exciting and rewarding journey that helps build a strong bond between you and your new companion. Starting training early sets the foundation for good behavior and ensures that your puppy grows up to be a well-mannered, confident adult dog. Here are the steps you should take when training your Mini Goldendoodle:

Puppyhood is a critical period for learning, so start training as soon as you bring your Mini Goldendoodle home. At a young age, puppies are like sponges, eager to absorb new information. Early training helps establish good habits and prevents undesirable behaviors from forming. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to shape their behavior.

Dogs, especially puppies, thrive on routine. Set a schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training sessions. Consistency is key to helping your puppy learn what to expect and when to behave. Regular potty breaks and crate training will reinforce good habits and prevent accidents indoors.

Mini Goldendoodles respond best to positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and playtime. Reward your puppy immediately after they perform the desired behavior. This helps them associate good behavior with positive outcomes. Avoid punishment-based methods, as they can lead to confusion or fear. Instead, focus on rewarding the behaviors you want to encourage.

Start with essential commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes), as puppies have short attention spans. Repeat the commands consistently and reward your puppy when they get it right. Be patient, as it may take time for your puppy to fully understand each command.

Potty training is one of the first and most important lessons for your puppy. Take your Mini Goldendoodle outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, or waking up. Praise them immediately when they go potty outside. If they have an accident indoors, clean it up thoroughly, but avoid scolding them. Instead, redirect them to the right spot next time. Crate training can also be helpful in potty training, as dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area.

Socializing your Mini Goldendoodle is crucial for their development. Expose them to different people, environments, animals, and experiences to help them become well-rounded and confident. Positive experiences with new sights, sounds, and people will prevent fear-based behaviors and build a calm, adaptable dog. Puppy classes, dog parks, and playdates are excellent ways to socialize your puppy.

Introduce your puppy to wearing a collar and leash early on. Start by letting them wear the collar inside for short periods, and gradually move to walking on the leash in a low-distraction area. Use positive reinforcement to encourage walking on a loose leash rather than pulling. Be patient and avoid pulling on the leash yourself, as this can encourage your puppy to resist.

Crate training helps your puppy feel safe and secure while also teaching them to be independent. Start by placing treats and toys in the crate to encourage your puppy to explore it. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate, always rewarding calm behavior. Crates can also be a helpful tool for potty training, as dogs instinctively avoid soiling their resting area.

Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent, but they can sometimes engage in unwanted behaviors like chewing or jumping. Instead of punishing your puppy, redirect them to more appropriate behaviors. For example, if they’re chewing on furniture, provide them with a chew toy. If they’re jumping, encourage them to sit for attention. Be consistent with your redirection.

Training takes time, so be patient with your puppy. Some behaviors may take weeks to fully master. Stay consistent with your commands, rewards, and expectations. If you get frustrated, take a break and return to training with a calm mindset. Remember, your puppy is learning, and consistency is the key to success.

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Link to website: https://www.baxterandbella.com/learn-more