Puppyhood is an exciting time. And a bit hectic.
When you’re not puppy-proofing your home and hiding the toilet paper from your new family member, one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent in the early months is to enroll in a training program.
While training may seem like a lot of work upfront, the results are more than worth the effort. At Green Acres Pet Resort, for example, our Play and Learn & Stay and Learn programs offer convenience and comprehensive instruction, and the payoff is a plus for both puppy and parent.
Learning fundamental socialization skills is also paramount for puppies. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), puppies can begin socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Socialization programs allow puppies to be exposed to as many sights, sounds, and stimuli as possible, setting them up to be successful adult dogs.
Here are three of the biggest benefits of puppy training.
- Better behavior: One of the best things you can do for your puppy—and yourself—is to start training early. By teaching your pup good manners and obedience from a young age, you can help prevent behavior problems from developing later on. The basics – sit, stay, come, down – are always important, but early training also helps to keep your pet safe, reducing the likelihood of them being lost or hurt. Puppies receiving the proper training are less likely to bolt out an open door or race into the street after a squirrel. Training tends to help your pups be better behaved overall, making for a happier home for everyone involved.
- Stronger bonds: Training isn’t just about teaching your puppy what not to do. It’s also an opportunity to build a stronger bond with them by communicating effectively and working together towards common goals. The time you spend training your pup will pay off in terms of a closer relationship with your furry friend.
- Increased confidence: Another great benefit of puppy training is that it can help your pet build confidence. A confident dog is a happy dog and one who is less likely to experience anxiety or stress in new situations. Puppy training helps to acclimate your pet to new sights and sounds while introducing them to new people and animals. By gradually helping your dog interact and engage with the larger world around them, training fosters familiarity and helps to eliminate feelings of fear.
Whether you’re working on socialization skills or teaching basic commands, every accomplishment will help boost your pup’s confidence level—setting them up for success in the future. And maybe even more training. After all, the old adage about old dogs isn’t necessarily true. Dogs can learn new things at almost any age, even if it takes a bit longer.
At Green Acres, our individualized classes are based on your pup’s needs and your goals as a pet parent. Led by professional pet care specialists and enthusiasts, our Play & Learn and Stay & Learn programs ensure a safe, secure environment in which to excel.
Our Play & Learn program is daycare-based, providing additional opportunities for socialization and play that are perfect for active puppies.
Our Stay & Learn program delivers a more concentrated training curriculum for quicker results, while your dog enjoys all of Green Acres’ luxury lodging amenities.
Both Green Acres training programs are great for pet parents who may not have the time to devote to group classes. Trainers spend multiple one-on-one sessions with your pup for more immersive learning.
Most importantly, our team members place the highest emphasis on your dog’s comfort and well-being and have met and exceeded the highest standards when it comes to training your dog.
New trainees receive a free consultation. Here, you can meet with one of our specialists to discuss the benefits of puppy training, identify goals, and design a program custom-tailored to the unique needs of your dog. Contact us today to learn more. Call 608-889-2100 to get started.