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Q: How long should I wait before I start training my new puppy?

A: It’s a myth that you should wait any length of time before training your new family member. You can start training your puppy as soon as they come home! But don’t think of training just as sit, down, stay, come and leash walking. Training is also: house training, crate-training, learning the house schedule and learning the rules both inside and outside the house.

The early weeks should mostly be for getting out to new locations, seeing lots of different sites and experiencing most of the things your adult dog will experience in their day to day lives. Focus on exposure versus interaction. Up until sixteen weeks, puppies are essentially sponge-like in their learning.

For starting group classes, most facilities wait for your second round of vaccinations. You can certainly start training at home before heading to your first class. It will make things a lot easier if your dog already has a bit of focus, sit or mat work before being asked for those behaviors in a potentially exciting place.

Q: Why should I crate train my dog? What are the benefits of crate training?

A: Many people see a dog in a cage and feel like they are jailing their best friend. However, crate or kennel training your dog is very valuable.

For Safety:

• Ensures your dog doesn’t ingest something when you’re not able to supervise.

• Crating in the car keeps them secure while driving.

• In the event of an emergency or evacuation, it keeps dogs contained.

• If you ever had to fly with your dog, they would need to fly in a kennel.

• For multiple dog homes, it ensures no fights or accidents while you’re away.

For a chance to have your questions answered by a professional in the next issue of PQ, email askus@pawquarterly.com.

A trip to the Veterinarian:

• If badly injured, often crate rest is necessary. Crate training your dog prior to a surgery or accident allows the dog to not feel stress about the injury while learning about crate confinement at the same time.

For Training:

• Helps house-break new puppies.

• Can help dogs learn to settle.

• For dog sports, most competition environments require crating.

Young puppies shouldn’t be expected to spend long periods of time in crates and the tool can certainly be overused in adult dogs as well. It’s important to accustom your canine to short periods of crate training. Even if you don’t plan to use a crate forever, even using it a couple times a week for a few hours can really help if you find yourself in a situation where you need a crate in the future.

EMILY GARLAND, CPDT‑KA, MFA Trainer and Behavioural Specialist

Find what works for you and your dog. Always remember, every dog is unique. What works for one dog may not work for another.