Whether you just got a new puppy or adopted a good boy who’s seen a few more years pass than he’d like to admit, the question on lots of owners’ minds when they first get their pet is: what age do you start dog training? For those with a puppy, there are likely motivations of potty training, learning basic commands that affect your daily life, and cultivating a well-behaved pup who will fit in well with your family. For those with an older dog, training might have more to do with learned behavioral issues, like jumping on people or barking at people who don’t live in the household. Your hopes are that education from a good Illinois program will help your pup shine, even if there’s a little more gray on their snout. For either a puppy owner or someone with an older pet, the question of choosing the right time to start training your dog is a really important one.
And there are a couple answers.
In general, puppies will understand enough to start learning basic commands and retain the information when they are around 7-8 weeks old. This is usually shortly after they’ve been relocated from their mother and siblings and placed in a loving home with a doting owner. They’re in a new environment, already naturally learning new things, and it’s a great time to introduce them to a leash and basic commands.
However, most professional dog training won’t begin with any pupil younger than six months. Illinois professionals give your pet’s mind a little more time to develop, so they are prepared for more careful and intentional training that can build on itself and give your dog the skills they need to become a service animal, a rescue animal, or a pup you can take through an agility course.
And, for many professionals, age is just a number. Older pups are still able to learn new tricks, despite the adage that declares otherwise, and as long as you find an Illinois program that’s willing to give your pet time, attention, and love, you can expect amazing results for pupils who are far beyond six months old.
An Illinois dog training program that might be a good one to check out is Alden’s Kennels. Alden’s Kennels offers boarding services as well as beginner through expert classes in behavioral training; with the professionals working on the beautiful campus of Alden’s Kennels, your pet, no matter what the age, will dive into the program and come out a pup better prepared for the world ahead.
A company that provides Illinois dog training , Alden’s Kennels prides itself on a reputation of quality care for your pet.