Why Do I Need to Worry About Puppy Obedience Training?

Why not? Just kidding - I won't answer a question with a question! I want to give you some good, solid reasons why puppy obedience training is so important.

Many first-time puppy or dog owners are excited when their new member of the family comes to live with them. However, only a couple weeks into it and they're wondering what possessed them to make such a decision!

It doesn't have to be this way. Questionable puddles around the house, holes in the manicured lawn, earplugs at night, shoes that look like they've been in a fight with a lawnmower - and lost. I see you nodding your head... you know what I'm talking about!

The problem is that many owners don't come to me for obedience training until the problem is almost "normal" in their life. Hasn't Tanner always scared people at the front door? That's why you bought that big "Beware of Dog" sign, and you hardly ever have guests over anymore.

Well, no, this wasn't always how it was. Remember when you first brought Tanner home? Sure, he acted like a puppy, but it was only a little play-biting and his barking at passersby was "cute" then.

Guess what. It doesn't stay cute for long! Puppies grow up, get bigger, and if left uncorrected, so do their problems.

So how can you best prevent, or even fix these problems? With puppy and basic dog obedience training. It's best to start out when the puppy is about 2 1/2 to 3 months old, but a dog is never to old to be trained.

What will puppy obedience training do for you?
1) Build a foundation with basic obedience for better behaviour.

2) Let you enjoy taking your pup/dog for a walk without them pulling your arm off.

3) Socialize your puppy: this is important for preventing aggression. A dog that has a "stagnant social circle" will see anyone new as a threat, and will respond accordingly.

4) Let you have better control over your puppy - being the leader of your puppy is very important as he grows up!

5) Learn how to correct excessive barking, digging, chewing, nipping and a host of other problems.

6) Bond with your puppy or dog, which will lead to better overall obedience.

Now that you are armed with this information, you can decide what you want from your furry friend - a liability, or an obedient, fun, reliable dog.

Most people find that taking their puppy or older dog through basic obedience training irons out almost all the behavioral problems they are facing. And for the ones that remain, you can check our Dog Behavior FAQ!