Animal Kingdom USA’s Ask Critter Chatter

There are a lot of myths about when and how to train ones puppy. I want to first state that nothing will pay greater dividends to your relationship with your dog than to have them properly trained. You should start the day you bring your new puppy home. Remember that puppies have a very short attention span and will easily become distracted. However, you should set aside a few minutes each day to begin the process of training them. You can begin with very simple commands such as sit and stay. The importance of starting as soon as possible cannot be over looked.

A puppy requires lots of consistency, discipline and plenty of patience and love from its owner. This phase is essential in raising a healthy and happy dog. I strongly suggest you look into puppy training classes in your area. This helps socialize your new pup and a professional trainer will teach you how to train your dog. Most classes will start puppies that are 12 weeks old and have had their shots. I want to warn you if you go to the classes and do not put in the time to practice what you have been taught you will be wasting your money. I suggest you bring along other family members so they too can learn the proper way to train your puppy.

When looking for trainers I recommend you find one that follows the

Ian Dunbar positive reinforcement method of training. In my opinion this is the most effective and fun form of training. There are many methods that are used by trainers,

but no method

that I have studied produces as excellent a result. This teaches that communicating with your dog is far better than dominating them and even children can use positive reinforcement methods to become able trainers. The other common type of training is dominance training. This is based on being a dominant pack leader and the puppy being a submissive follower. Having the dog obey you out of respect and love will create a much better family addition than one that obeys out of fear.
Patrick Yates
President/CEO
Animal Kingdom USA
For more information, you may post questions on Facebook at

facebook.com/AnimalKingdomUSA. Animal Kingdom USA is located at 100 Independent Way in Brewster.