Matthew 'Uncle Matty' Margolis Dear Uncle Matty: My puppy is almost 6 months old, and I'm wondering how old she should be before we start training. My neighbor said not to worry, because you can training a dog any time and they learn best when they are a little older, at least a year. The problem is that I don't know what to do about the fact that Hildi won't come when I call her, and I can't walk her on a leash anymore because she drags me around. She is an Akita and quite a handful. -- B. Graham, Denver
Dear "B": The ideal time to start training a puppy is when they are from 7 weeks to 10 weeks of age -- before those little problems turn into big, bad habits. The sooner, the better. Of course, you can't take your dog to puppy classes or other doggy socials until all her shots have been completed, so your best and most effective option is a personal, well-qualified trainer who will work with you and your dog at your home, where most of the problems occur. The results are better with one-on-one training, because each dog is unique and you learn to work with your dog based on her temperament.
What does early puppy education accomplish? It aids the bonding process between you and your new best friend. Communication is established, so you and your dog understand each other. Have you ever heard someone say, "My dog doesn't listen to me. I say 'come here,' and he ignores me." That's a dead giveaway that the dog and owner are not communicating. The poor pooch hasn't got a clue about what his owner is expecting. Then the owner shouts at the dog, and the problem is compounded. The dog is now fearful and still doesn't get the message. The owner is frustrated, and life is chaotic. I call it "The Crazies"!
Puppy training is cost-effective. Your dog learns how to behave and knows what is acceptable. When puppy starts chewing a no-no, you can say "no," and she will understand. Of course, you should make sure she always has plenty of safe chews and toys, including gum-soothers like frozen washcloths while she is teething. Training can help avoid thousands of dollars worth of destruction.
Dog training during the first year can also nip a host of aggressive behaviors in the bud, before they become too serious. For example, puppy nipping can turn into problem behavior without modification. If you think there is an aggressive problem, consult a professional, experienced dog-trainer.
Dog training solves other problems as well. You can teach your dog not to jump on people. A 10-week-old puppy that jumps up to say "hello" can be adorable, but a 6-month-old Akita who jumps on Aunt Suzie can be dangerous.
And of course, good, sound, appropriate training of the basic commands allows you and your dog to walk in harmony. Your dog will sit and stay without running out the door, and when you call Hildi, if she is properly trained, she will always come to you. A well-trained dog can also be kept out of harm's way. Training is truly a lifesaver.
Start training right away, and take heart in the fact that you don't have to live with The Crazies! It's all about being a responsible doggy parent who understands the importance of puppy training, and the benefits.
WOOF!
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Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com, and visit him at http://www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.
Copyright 2011 Creators Syndicate Inc.
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