Have you recently welcomed a new canine into the family, or are you thinking about doing so?

As with kids, puppies gain a massive amount of information from their environment and the interactions they experience, whether that be positive or negative, and this information has the potential to manifest as long term behaviours. For this very reason, it is crucial that during this important developmental and learning period their experiences and interactions are positive. In order to achieve such results we must be proactive and create as many experiences as possible, in a controlled and safe environment. In order to do so, it is important to have a basic understanding of how dogs think and learn, so that we can guide them correctly.

In addition to this, it is crucial that puppies of all shapes, sizes and breeds are taught good manners from the beginning, to prevent future problem behaviours (when it is no longer ‘cute’ when your adult dog bites, jumps on strangers, or sleeps on the bed!).

It is important that when teaching your puppy new commands or shaping their behaviour to create good manners, you are considering that puppy as an adult dog.

When should you start training your new puppy?

From the very day you adopt them into your family, they should be beginning to learn the types of behaviours that are acceptable and not – every day is a learning experience, just as with kids!

If you would like help and guidance in your training and day-to-day care of your puppy, as well as the opportunity for your puppy to experience positive interactions and socialisation with other people and puppies, then puppy classes may be for you!
Anexa Vets offers puppy preschool at our Morrinsville, Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Huntly and Thames clinics, for further information and start dates please give them a call 0800 284 3838.