Command Trained Puppies

How Young Can A Puppy Begin Training?

Although it is generally believed that puppies cannot begin command training until they are at least 8 weeks of age, this is not entirely true. For example, a very young 6-week old puppy can begin command training if the trainer is patient, understanding, and has realistic developmentally-appropriate expectations for the puppy. Young puppies have a very short attention span and may not be able to focus for very long. It's important to keep training sessions short, around 5-10 minutes, and to make them fun and rewarding.

Why Should Puppies Be Command Trained?

Command training is an important part of a trained puppy's development, as it helps to establish a foundation of good behavior and communication between the puppy and their owner. Here are some reasons why puppies should be command trained:

1. Safety: Command training can help keep puppies safe by teaching them basic commands like "come" and "stay". If a puppy knows these commands, they will be less likely to run into dangerous situations, such as running into the street or approaching other animals aggressively.  Trained puppies are much easier to keep safe. 
2. Communication: Command training can help improve communication between the puppy and their owner. When a puppy understands basic commands, they are better able to understand what their owner is asking of them, and the owner can communicate more effectively with the puppy.  Trained puppies are easier to communicate with.
3. Good behavior: Command training can help to establish good behavior patterns in puppies. When a puppy learns basic commands such as "sit" or "stay", they learn that they need to listen to their owner and follow rules. This can lead to better behavior in other areas, such as not jumping on people or not chewing on furniture.  Trained puppies generally are better behaved.
4. Bonding: Command training can also help to strengthen the bond between the puppy and their owner. When a puppy learns to follow commands, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, and the owner feels proud of their puppy's progress.  Successfully trained puppies bond quite easily to their new owners.
   

Overall, command training is an important part of a puppy's development, and can help to ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved, happy, and healthy adult dogs.  Trained puppies generally make wonderful trained adult dogs that are a complete joy to own.

Our Command Trained Puppies

We begin basic command training with our puppies around 6 weeks old to try and have them off to a great start by the time they go to their new homes. But realistically, not all puppies will “get it” at this age. So we do our best to work on “sit” with our puppies and may go on to “stay” or “lay down” with any puppies that are learning very easily.

In our puppy owner manual that we supply to all our new owners, we provide detailed instructions on how to begin command training with your new puppy. This way, even if your puppy is still trying to learn commands when you take him/her home, you will have the tools and knowledge to complete basic command training yourself.  Trained puppies often adjust must easier to their new homes because they are already learning obedience and boundaries.

We also recommend that you purchase a lifetime subscription to Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School to help you with whatever training goals you may have for your puppy. For more details about Baxter & Bella and trained puppies, and to receive our exclusive subscription discount code, please visit Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School. 

Training A Puppy To Sit

Training a puppy to sit is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished using positive reinforcement techniques. Here are the steps to teach a puppy to sit:

1. Choose a quiet location with minimal distractions where you can focus on training your puppy. 
2. Hold a small treat or piece of kibble in front of your puppy's nose. 
3. Slowly move the treat up and back towards their tail, while at the same time saying the word "sit". 
4. As the puppy follows the treat with their nose and raises their head, their back end should naturally lower into a sitting position. 
5. As soon as your puppy sits, give them the treat and praise them enthusiastically. 
6. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually introducing the verbal cue "sit" as your puppy begins to associate the action with the word. 
7. Once your puppy has mastered sitting with the treat lure, gradually phase out the treat and only reward them with praise and affection.  

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. Praise and reward your puppy every time they sit on command, and avoid scolding or punishing them if they don't get it right away. Trained puppies learn quickly and are super smart.  With time and practice, your puppy will learn to sit on command and will be well on their way to mastering other basic commands. 

Training A Puppy To Stay

Training a puppy to stay is an important part of basic obedience training. Here are the steps to teach a puppy to stay:

1. Start by commanding your puppy to sit. 
2. Once your puppy is sitting, hold your hand up in front of them with your palm facing towards them and say the word "stay" in a firm but gentle tone. 
3. Take a step back from your puppy, keeping your hand up and your palm facing towards them. 
4. Count to two and then immediately step back to your puppy, give them a treat and lots of praise. 
5. Repeat this exercise several times a day, gradually increasing the amount of time your puppy stays in place before rewarding them. 
6. As your puppy becomes more comfortable with staying in place, gradually increase the distance you move away from them before returning to reward them. 
7. Practice the stay command in a variety of locations and with increasing levels of distraction to reinforce the behavior in different contexts.  

Remember to keep training sessions short and positive, and to reward your puppy every time they successfully stay on command. If your puppy breaks the stay command, simply redirect them back to the sitting position and start over. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn to stay on command and learn to become a well-behaved family member.  Command trained puppies make excellent family pets.

Training A Puppy To Lay Down

Training a puppy to lay down is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished using positive reinforcement techniques. Here are the steps to teach a puppy to lay down:

1. Start by commanding your puppy to sit. 
2. Hold a small treat or piece of kibble in front of your puppy's nose. 
3. Slowly move the treat down towards the ground, while at the same time saying the word "down". 
4. As the puppy follows the treat with their nose, their front end should lower to the ground, and their back end should follow. 
5. As soon as your puppy lays down, give them the treat and praise them enthusiastically. 
6. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually introducing the verbal cue "down" as your puppy begins to associate the action with the word.
7. Once your puppy has mastered laying down with the treat lure, gradually phase out the treat and only reward them with praise and affection.  

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. Praise and reward your puppy every time they lay down on command, and avoid scolding or punishing them if they don't get it right away. With time and practice, your puppy will learn to lay down on command and will be well on their way to mastering other basic commands.  Trained puppies are such a joy.

Training A Puppy To Come

Training a puppy to come when called is an important command to teach for their safety and your peace of mind. Here are the steps to teach a puppy to come:

1. Start in a quiet, enclosed space with no distractions. 
2. Get your puppy's attention by calling their name and using an excited, happy tone of voice. 
3. Use the command "come" while using a hand signal (such as holding out your hand or crouching down). 
4. Reward your puppy with a treat and lots of praise when they come to you. 
5. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually increasing the distance between you and your puppy before calling them to come. 
6. Once your puppy has mastered the command in a quiet space, gradually introduce the command in different environments with increasing levels of distractions. 
7. Always reward your puppy with praise and treats when they come when called, even if they take a little longer than expected.  

Remember to always use a positive and encouraging tone of voice when calling your puppy to come, and to avoid using a harsh or negative tone. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn to come when called and become a well-behaved member of your household.  Command trained puppies are well worth the small time and/or investment required.