"The Puppy Problem" What is it?!

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Those adorable, fluffy bundles of joy can instantly become a beloved part of your family! However, along with all the cuteness and cuddles, there comes a responsibility – one that many new puppy owners may overlook: training. Training your puppy from day one is not just a choice; it's a necessity. In this article, we'll explore the problems that can arise when you don't start training your puppy as soon as they come home.

1. Behavioral Issues

One of the most significant problems that can occur when you neglect training your puppy early, is the development of behavioral issues. Puppies are like sponges, absorbing everything around them, and without proper guidance, they may learn undesirable habits. Common behavioral problems include but are not limited to;

Excessive Barking: Untrained puppies may bark excessively. Whether it's for attention, out of boredom, or due to anxiety, excessive barking can strain your relationship with neighbors and make your home environment less peaceful.

Destructive Chewing: Puppies have a natural instinct to chew, especially when they're teething. Without proper guidance and training, they may target your furniture, shoes, or other valuable items. This destructive behavior can result in costly repairs and frustration. It's important to be prepared for your new pup by having lots of enrichment ready!

Potty Training: Potty training is a critical aspect of puppy training. If not trained early, puppies may continue to eliminate indoors, leading to unpleasant messes in your home. This can also create a challenging cycle of cleaning and frustration for you. You cannot expect them to understand where they are and are not supposed to go to the bathroom until you establish those boundaries with them.

Separation Anxiety: Puppies that are not trained to handle separation from their owners may develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, and extreme stress when you leave them alone, making it difficult to manage your dog's well-being and your own daily routine. Once these strong feelings have settled with your dog, they are much harder to work with than they are to prevent! This is a heart retching situation to be in. People are busy, but your puppy is your responsibility and there are ways to set them up for success when they need to be left alone.

Leash Reactivity: Walking your puppy with no structure, no expectations and no engagement can become a nightmare if they haven't been given the chance to learn what is expected of them. They may pull, lunge, or become overly excited when encountering other dogs or distractions, making walks stressful and potentially dangerous. This is a complex subject because reactivity stems from big feelings in your dog. Feelings that we may not understand, but we have a responsibility to gain some level of insight into why they are happening in the first place.

Undesirable Social Behavior: Proper socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted adult dog. Without early socialization, your puppy may exhibit fear or aggression towards other dogs or people, leading to difficulties at the dog park, during vet visits, or even when welcoming guests into your home. The critical socialization period for puppies is 3-14 weeks. So you will most likely not have your puppy during this time or only have them for a very short period! This means it's even more important for you to start socialization to some level right when you bring them home.

2. Difficulty in Establishing Routine

Training your puppy early helps establish a routine. Dogs thrive on consistency, and setting up a structured daily routine can make your life and your puppy's life much more predictable and enjoyable! Delaying training can result in a lack of structure, which can lead to confusion and anxiety for your puppy.

3. Missed Socialization Opportunities

Socialization is a critical aspect of a puppy's development. Puppies are most receptive to new experiences and environments between the ages of 3 to 14 weeks. Failing to start training early means missing out on the opportunity to expose your puppy to various people, animals, and situations, which can result in fear or anxiety around new things later in life. This will catch up with you faster than you think!

4. Delayed Bonding

Training is not just about teaching cues and cool tricks; it's also about building a strong bond between you and your puppy. When you delay training, you miss out on the chance to strengthen your relationship with your new furry friend! Early training helps establish trust and communication, which are the building blocks of a deep, loving connection.

5. Safety Concerns

Untrained puppies are more likely to put themselves in dangerous situations. They may not respond to basic recall cues like "come" or "stay," making it challenging to prevent accidents or keep them safe in various environments. Training can be a lifesaver, quite literally!

Training your puppy as soon as you bring them home is essential for their well-being and your sanity. It sets the foundation for a well-behaved, happy, and confident dog. Don't delay; start training early. Enroll in a puppy training class or work with a professional trainer to ensure that you and your furry companion enjoy a harmonious life together. Remember, a well-trained puppy is a happy puppy, and a happy puppy makes for a delighted and fulfilled dog owner!