The Importance of Positive Dog Training
Leash training should begin as soon as you start taking your puppy on walks. Not only do most areas have leash laws, but it is proper etiquette for your dog to be familiar with using them. Teach them how to be courteous towards you- walking next to you rather than pulling the leash; if your dog respects you, they will choose to walk beside you rather than ahead of you- and towards other dogs and strangers. Don't allow them to show too much interest in, or hyperfocus on, other entities- you should be able to recall their attention at will. Running up to other people or dogs unrequested is impolite. Making sure they have mastered reliable recall (returning to you immediately on command) can save you from so much stress and anxiety.
Basic commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Drop it, and Down are useful commands for dog obedience training. You also want to ensure that your dog is adept at obeying the word "no". A valuable tool for positive reinforcement training is a clicker. You don't need to use a clicker if you don't want, but it is a proven effective method. In addition to the necessary basic commands, you can of course train tricks! They are fun and help you build a better bond with your pet, as well as a way to impress friends and family.
We hope this comprehensive list of all the basic training areas helps you find a process that works for you and your puppy. None of the categories are too advanced so you should be able to train these yourself at home, but if you would like any help from a dog behaviorist or professional trainer while getting started, Elite-K9 is just a call away and happy to make a new furry friend!