What Age Should I Start Puppy Training?

Why Starting Early Sets Your Puppy Up for Success

Puppy training can start much earlier than most people realize, and beginning early sets your dog up for a lifetime of easier behavior and calmer routines. Many foundations can start as soon as you bring your puppy home, often with private guidance beginning around 8-10 weeks of age.

Why early training matters

Early training is about gentle guidance, not strict rules or long drills. It helps puppies learn that the human world is safe, predictable, and that you're worth listening to. Puppies are constantly learning from their environment, so without intentional skills from humans, they may practice habits that become problems later.

Training from day one

When a puppy first comes home, usually around 8-10 weeks, you can begin simple training right away. At this age, training looks like very short, fun sessions built into daily life. Focus on:

• Name recognition and check-ins.
• Coming when called inside the house.
• Gentle handling for grooming and vet care.
• House training and crate training.
• Rewarding calm behavior instead of only noticing misbehavior.

At this age, puppies have short attention spans, so 1-3 minute sessions scattered through the day are ideal.

Socialization window (up to 16 weeks)

There's a critical socialization period that generally lasts until around 16 weeks, when puppies are especially open to new experiences. Carefully introducing your puppy to people, dogs, sounds, surfaces, and environments helps prevent fear and anxiety later. Good socialization means:

• Pairing new things with treats and play.
• Allowing space and choice so the puppy isn't overwhelmed.
• Watching body language and avoiding forced interactions.

Force-free private training emphasizes safe, customized socialization during this window.

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Statement:

"The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. For this reason, the AVSAB believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated." Read More

With that in mind, use caution to minimize infectious disease risk - avoid public areas with stray or unvaccinated dogs, know the health status of playmates, and skip high-traffic spots like dog parks.

Starting formal puppy training

A good puppy curriculum should:

• Use positive reinforcement methods.
• Emphasize socialization and confidence-building.
• Include coaching on common challenges like biting, jumping, and chewing.
• Teach humans how to set up the environment to prevent mistakes.

In summary, the ideal time to start puppy training is right when your puppy comes home - often as early as 8 weeks - with gentle, positive reinforcement building a strong foundation for life. Don't miss the critical 16-week socialization window, but always prioritize safety with vet-guided precautions during those first vital months. For personalized, force-free private sessions in Courtenay that match your puppy's unique needs and schedule, reach out today to get started on the path to a confident, well-adjusted companion.