Train Smart Not Early

By Kristian Hammermueller

Every year the onset of the spring and summer seasons brings warm weather, the smell of fresh cut grass, and for many families, puppy fever. Images of man’s best friends frolicking happily in our backyard run through out minds as we envision a spirited game of fetch on a warm summer evening. Or perhaps this is the year we vow to get in shape, and wouldn’t it be that much more fun to commit to get fit with a jog and our trusty companion trotting happily beside us? For many, however, those pie-in-the-sky thoughts come plummeting to Earth the first time we let Fido out and realize that his idea of fetch involves stealing an article of clothing or item from the house, typically something very valuable—it’s amazing how they know—and running in the most direct route straight off the property. And as for that jog, was it really worth the visit to the chiropractor and the multiple near-death traffic experiences?

Unfortunately for most people who answer “No” or have relatable experiences with their lovable pooch, such thinking leaves them frustrated and perhaps even regretful they ever got a dog to begin with. The resulting countermeasures usually consist of the building of a fence, confining the dog outside and/or to a section of the house, and the hiring of a trainer. At first thought, these remedies may appear logical, and perhaps even generous. However, they are most likely anything but. One might be wondering now (even many dog trainers) how such trait and true, age-old techniques could possibly be argued against. Allow me to explain.

The goal of any family or person who live with a dog should be very simple: a mutually happy and beneficial relationship. I cannot emphasize this enough. Most of us subscribe to the notion that in order to love one another we are first required to accept and be comfortable with who we are as individuals, i.e. love ourselves. A dog is no different.

Any responsible parent, for obvious reasons, would readily agree that their ten-year-old son or daughter is insufficiently equipped or prepared to drive a car. In the same way, so too is the young dog whom you’re expecting to stay in your yard, leave be your personal items, or formally obedience train. In the most basic sense, they are not ready yet—not physically, cognitively, or emotionally.

A large portion of the clients I see have made the mistake of engaging in formal training too early, the cost of which is ultimately confusion and degradation—not enrichment—of the relationship they were trying to cultivate. Some typical complaints regarding dogs younger than six or seven months include jumping, mouthing, and pulling on the leash toward distractions. All of these, annoying as they are, lie within the domain of pro-social behavior, and discouraging them improperly or prematurely can lead to more difficult antisocial issues later: avoidance, distrust, and aggression.

Be patient. Let your puppy grow up. Before you know it, he or she will be ready, eager, and able to learn and gravitate toward that loving relationship you both desire. Just remember: train smart, not early.