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January 16th, 2010 by Adriana Noton

Here’s a surprising new fact: Dog experts have discovered that puppies respond to attention even before they’re born! This new knowledge means that dog training can begin while puppies are still in the womb.

Dogs have a natural instinct toward sociability. They’re pack animals who look to a leader, an “alpha” dog, ” to know how to behave. Good obedience training establishes the pet owner as the “alpha” dog without harshness or cruelty, so that their pet responds appropriately to other people, other pets and to the world around them.

Good training also sets up a clear line of communication between a dog and an owner. Think of it this way: Suppose you found yourself in a foreign country where you didn’t speak the language. When you try to get something to eat, to get a job or even go to the bathroom, you don’t know how to ask for what you want. All people do is yell at you in words you don’t understand.

Eventually, however, as you learned the local language you will be able to have a happier, more fulfilling life there. The same is true of dogs that live as pets in a human environment. Through obedience training a dog learns how to associate behaviors with certain human sounds. Saying “sit” to a trained dog always results in the dog sitting. Saying “stay” keeps the dog in one place, and saying “come” brings the dog to its owner. With proper puppy training, both the owner and the dog develop a mutual understanding that each can trust in their relationship.

However, all puppies go through a period of “stranger avoidance” between six and 12 weeks. This is a natural fear that develops as a way to keep puppies safe from predators. During this time puppies exhibit more “startle” reactions to sounds and sudden movements. These reactions keep a pup safe, but they also could interfere with establishing relationships with people. That’s why it best not to rush a puppy through these behavioral period. Let it get its bearings first.

Dog training teaches pet owners as much as it teaches pets. By attending classes at local pet stores, kennels or with independent dog trainers, owners learn more than just how to control their dogs. They learn how to foster their dog’s health and well-being, from what kind of dog food to provide to what human foods can be dangerous, possibly even fatal, to their pets.

If a puppy is properly settled into a home, basic dog training, also known as obedience training, can begin in earnest around 12 weeks, or after a puppy has had all its vaccinations. By this time, a puppy that has been correctly socialized is ready to begin learning how to behave appropriately by following its owner’s instructions.

One thing that is never, never, never appropriate in dog training is to strike, hit or physically abuse a dog in any way. Dogs, especially puppies, quickly become devoted to their owners and physical abuse will destroy that relationship. Always train a dog with firmness, but with patience and lots of love.

Dogs can become more loyal, obedient, and affectionate towards their owners through vigorous puppy training. Enroll your canine companion in some dog training Kelowna today!