Puppy Training Richmond Style!

Puppies will be puppies. They’ll nip, chew, have accidents in the house, yip, whine, and jump. They’re small, cute, lovable, and all of these behaviors are easily forgivable–until they start to grow and these problems grow with them!

It’s always easiest to train a dog when they’re young, still in their formative years, and their habits and behavior can be easily molded to fit the boundaries you wish to set. My in-home puppy training program is designed to help puppies sixteen weeks of age and younger learn and respect these boundaries. The program also helps puppies house train and avoid the common problem of separation anxiety.

I had a client give me a call when her new puppy was fifteen weeks old. He’d used about ten pairs of her shoes as chew toys, would not rest quietly in the crate, and had accidents in the house with no signs of stopping. I met her and the puppy during their in-home consultation, during which I was able to observe some of the behaviors for myself. I also noticed the puppy, a small mixed-breed, liked to jump and bark as he followed his owner around the home. This constant demand for attention also needed to be addressed.

The training consisted of basic obedience training, proper leash handling techniques, and structured scheduling. I taught the owner the proper way to introduce the dog to the crate so that he viewed it as a den rather than as a cage. Crate training and the schedule assisted with potty training, and place training allowed the owner to have her space when she needed it. The consistent structure itself served to eliminate a great deal of the puppy’s anxiety and hyperactivity because he knew what to expect at nearly every moment of every day. In dog training, consistency is key!

In just a short time, the owner was able to relax and enjoy her time with the new puppy, rather than constantly stress out about what he was going to destroy next!

If you’re in a similar situation with a puppy of your own, let’s talk. I can help! Call me today at 800.649.7297.