Looking to Adopt a Puppy? Tips to Start you on The Right Track With Your Dog Training

Written by Krystal Nurse on USA Today

Cavapoo in Training

Feeling the puppy fever after watching the thrilling, adorable Puppy Bowl? There are some things novice and experienced dog owners should know to raise a successful pup to adulthood.

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Dr. M. Leanne Lilly cautioned training a young dog requires intense work and special attention.

A key to a canine's growth is socialization and regular veterinary visits, she said.

"We want to make sure that our young puppies in their socialization period are basically flooded with good experiences," she said. "But we also need to remember that the dog or the puppy decides what's a good experience, and so we need to be really careful about watching their body language and not traumatizing them in hopes that what we get out is a well-socialized dog."

Training, regular veterinary visits key to raising puppies

Before introducing a pup to other dogs, Lilly urged owners to wait until after the puppy's first parvovirus vaccine. She recommended people seek out socialization classes so their pet learns good behavior in a clean, controlled environment.

Socialization can begin at home before a puppy is fully vaccinated. The most basic ways are potty training and teaching a puppy commands, according to animal food manufacturer Hill's Pet Nutrition. They recommended establishing – and sticking to – a bathroom routine so the dog knows when to relieve itself.

"When they successfully relieve themself outdoors, be sure to lavish them with praise and reward them with a treat," the food manufacturer said.

Socialization can begin at home before a puppy is fully vaccinated. The most basic ways are potty training and teaching a puppy commands, according to animal food manufacturer Hill's Pet Nutrition. They recommended establishing – and sticking to – a bathroom routine so the dog knows when to relieve itself.

"When they successfully relieve themself outdoors, be sure to lavish them with praise and reward them with a treat," the food manufacturer said.

Socialization can begin at home before a puppy is fully vaccinated. The most basic ways are potty training and teaching a puppy commands, according to animal food manufacturer Hill's Pet Nutrition. They recommended establishing – and sticking to – a bathroom routine so the dog knows when to relieve itself.

"When they successfully relieve themself outdoors, be sure to lavish them with praise and reward them with a treat," the food manufacturer said.

Breed-specific training starts after the basics

A Golden Retriever is naturally active. Bloodhounds excel in locating people. Great Pyrenees protect people and livestock. Border Collies herd. A Chihuahua is an affectionate and sociable toy dog. Despite breed classifications determined by the dog welfare organization the American Kennel Club, Lilly said owners should focus on standard training before tapping into a dog's instincts.

"We sometimes fall into the trap of getting really focused on, 'What are the typical behaviors and characteristics,' instead of looking at the dog in front of us," she said.

Certain dogs may always retain their breed's instincts, but Lilly said it's OK if a retriever is bad at retrieving or if an American Bully is a great play partner.

Like the rest of her recommendations, Lilly said owners should regularly communicate with their veterinarian about the puppy's growth, behaviors and habits so an underlying issue isn't ignored.

"We want to make sure that when you ask a question, you're getting the answer that's most intimately customized for the puppy that you have," she said. "Your veterinarian, who has met your puppy, is going to have that information plus the medical background."