At what age should puppy training begin, and what are the first commands to teach?

Puppy training should ideally begin as soon as you bring your puppy home, which is typically around 8 weeks of age. At this stage, puppies are highly impressionable and capable of learning basic behaviors and commands. Early training is crucial for establishing good habits, building a strong bond with your puppy, and preventing behavioral issues later in life. The first few months of a puppy's life are a critical socialization and learning period, so starting early sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.

The first commands to teach your puppy are simple, foundational behaviors that promote safety, communication, and good manners. These include:

1. Name recognition: Teach your puppy to respond to their name by saying it in a cheerful tone and rewarding them with a treat or praise when they look at you. This is the first step in establishing communication.

2. Sit: This is one of the easiest and most useful commands. Hold a treat close to your puppy's nose, then slowly move it upward so their head follows the treat and their bottom naturally lowers to the ground. As soon as they sit, say "sit" and reward them.

3. Come: This command is essential for safety. Start in a quiet, distraction-free area. Say your puppy's name followed by "come" in an enthusiastic tone. When they come to you, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and practice in different environments.

4. Stay: Once your puppy has mastered "sit," you can introduce "stay." Ask your puppy to sit, then hold your hand out in front of them like a stop sign and say "stay." Take a step back, then return and reward them if they remain in place. Gradually increase the duration and distance.

5. Leave it: This command helps prevent your puppy from picking up dangerous or unwanted items. Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your puppy sniff it. When they stop trying to get the treat, say "leave it" and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.

6. Down: This command teaches your puppy to lie down on cue. Start with your puppy in a sitting position, then hold a treat near their nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally lower into a lying position. Say "down" and reward them.

Training sessions should be short, positive, and consistent. Puppies have short attention spans, so aim for 5-10 minute sessions several times a day. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or play, to reward desired behaviors. Avoid punishment or harsh corrections, as these can damage your puppy's trust and confidence.

Socialization is another critical aspect of early training. Expose your puppy to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner. This helps them become well-adjusted and confident adults. Puppy socialization classes can be a great way to introduce your puppy to new experiences while also practicing basic commands.

Potential risks to be aware of include overtraining, which can lead to frustration or burnout, and exposing your puppy to situations they are not ready for, which can cause fear or anxiety. Always monitor your puppy's body language and adjust the training accordingly. If your puppy seems stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and try again later.

If you encounter challenges or your puppy shows signs of fear, aggression, or other behavioral issues, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Early intervention is key to addressing and preventing long-term problems.

In summary, puppy training should begin as early as 8 weeks of age, focusing on simple, foundational commands like name recognition, sit, come, stay, leave it, and down. Use positive reinforcement, keep sessions short and fun, and prioritize socialization. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can set your puppy up for a lifetime of good behavior and a strong bond with you.