Request a Free Assessment
Common Puppy Training Mistakes
Once a puppy is brought home after spending the first eight weeks of its life with its mother, obedience training can begin immediately. While Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan works with dogs of all ages, beginning puppy training as soon as possible is the best way to go. Beginning puppy training early can help prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, whining, nipping and accidents in the house.
If you’ve been wondering how to train a puppy, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan has the resources and knowledge you need to have a successful puppy training journey.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Puppy Training 101
The No. 1 mistake new puppy owners make when learning how to train a puppy is waiting too long to start puppy training. Other common mistakes include:
Crate training is not meant to be a form of punishment or isolation for a puppy or dog. Not only can it help with potty training, as dogs instinctively don’t want to soil their own space, but a crate can provide a safe place for a puppy or dog to go when they are feeling overwhelmed in their environment.
Much like baby-proofing, puppy-proofing a home is necessary to prevent destruction of personal items, as well as to protect a puppy from harmful things like wires or toxic chemicals. Make sure these things are out of reach, or protected with a gate or another kind of barrier.
This is a classic example of when it’s better to focus on the positive (a puppy eliminating their waste outside like they should) rather than punishing the negative. A puppy will not understand exactly what they’ve done wrong, but they will connect an owner’s anger with their mess - and possibly start pooping and peeing in hidden places around the house.
The window of time between eight weeks and 16 weeks in puppy time is critical for learning to socialize with other dogs and humans. This can lead to antisocial, anxious, or even aggressive behavior when the puppy becomes a dog. Puppy classes at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan are a great way to achieve socialization.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
How to Train a Puppy with Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan can help puppy owners learn how to train a puppy and avoid all these common mistakes, and help empower owners to train at home with all the right tools. This is accomplished with Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan’s comprehensive in-home puppy training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving onto more advanced puppy training. Treat training helps with the following behaviors:
- Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
- Puppy Corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
- Crate Training/ House Breaking
Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:
- Socialization Tips
- Environmental Hazards
- Puppy Enrichment
- Caring for Your Puppy
- And more!
The amount of work and time it takes to learn how to train a puppy can feel overwhelming, which is why Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan offers in-home training. By pairing professional trainers with dog owners, not only do puppies learn quickly, but owners are empowered to continue training their puppies and build good habits.
Se habla español!
Puppy Obedience Training
After initial training at home, obedience classes are also a great option for exposing a young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds and sights. Combining obedience classes with training at home will ensure a well behaved puppy that learns quickly.
The Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan training method focuses on encouraging proper behaviors with positive reinforcement. Punishment is never used as a form of training as it can lead to aggression and fear in dogs. Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan does use an electronic vibration collar to help puppies stay alert, and treats for extra encouragement.
Positive reinforcement teaches a puppy that performing obedient behaviors wins love and affection from their owner. Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan’s professional puppy trainers include owners in the training process so that puppies learn who is in charge. Working with the professional trainers of Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan will also help puppies develop deep-rooted obedience. By working alongside owners, trainers will help owners and puppies build a strong, healthy relationship founded on loyalty and trust.
Contact us today to start your puppy training journey!
