Expert Pet Advice
By Randy Gomer
Question: At what age can I start training a puppy, and what can I expect at a young age?

Answer: You can start training a puppy as early as six weeks old. Most people underestimate their puppy and give the excuse for its misbehaviors as “Well, he’s just a puppy.”

The earliest days of a puppy’s life are an important time for learning positive behaviors. Dogs are animals of habit, and puppies form habits from the time they are born. So now is the time to train your dog. Today it may seem okay for Skippy to jump on people because he’s cute, but do you want a 150-pound lapdog five years from now? Probably not.

Puppies like to jump, run, scratch, bite, chew, bark and chase things. This is because dogs are made of energy, drive and aggression. Some breeds have more, and some have less. As the owner, you are responsible for how your dog learns to use its energy, drive and aggression. Aggression is not good or bad until it is allowed to go to one extreme or another.

It is important for puppies to learn how to use their energy, drive and aggression, and obedience training teaches them those boundaries. Obedience is developing a communication between you and your dog, so you can explain what good behavior is and prevent bad habits from forming.

Dogs are working animals, and, if you don’t give them something to do, they will find something to do. Unfortunately, it’s usually not what you want them to do. Remember, your dog’s job is to live your lifestyle, not the other way around!

Kevin Gomer is the owner of Toledo K-9 Performance Academy, LLC. You can contact Kevin at 419-885-6060 or visit his website at www.toledok9.com.