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Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How old should a puppy be for training?

Dog training shouldn’t wait until you’re having behavior problems. If you get a new puppy, start from the beginning with professional training to give both you and your puppy the tools you need for a healthy relationship. Dog training is as much about teaching the owner how to interact with their new dog as it is about the dog learning to behave. Puppy training can start as early as eight weeks old. Trainers who offer puppy training programs may works specifically with dogs between the ages of 8 and 18 weeks old. Trainers can teach owners about potty training and how to deal with accidents, working with separation anxiety, and training your pooch out of destructive behaviors like chewing, biting and demand barking. Puppies will start to learn to walk on-leash and other basic skills.

In addition to behavior training, socializing your puppy is an important part of dog training. Socializing your dog means they become comfortable and confident in a variety of settings and have a great foundation for becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. After your puppy has had the proper vaccinations, you can start to introduce it to a variety of different dogs and people in safe settings.

Which dog training method is best?

The best type of dog training for both you and your dog depends on the outcomes you hope to achieve. If you want your dog to learn agility training, go to someone who specializes in those techniques. Regardless of whether you want your dog to learn basic behavior or competitive-level tricks, the majority of dog training is actually about training the owner how to communicate with their dog. Most professional dog trainers agree that a model of training based on positive reinforcement breeds a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog. The alternative to positive reinforcement training is using force or aggression techniques like physical punishment or shock-collar training to get the dog to do (or not do) a behavior. While the dog may learn how to behavior as you direct, it is also learning to communicate with force and aggression, and will in turn use those behaviors on other dogs (or people) that are smaller or weaker than it is. Before signing up with a dog trainer, meet with the trainer and ask for references. Watch the trainer interact with your dog, and make sure they treat your dog with patience and firm kindness. Ask them questions about their training methods:

What type of training methods do you use?
What is your background and training, and how did you become a dog trainer?
How long do you expect that we will work together before we achieve the results I’m after?

How long does it take to train a puppy?

Dog training depends on the dog and how much homework the dog owner is willing to put in. Puppy training is similar to dog training in that the onus of the work depends on the owner learning new ways to interact with their dog. For a quick crash course, you can opt for a single, two hour smart-start puppy training consultation to teach you the ins and outs of being a new dog parent. You can learn how to manage potty training and what to do if the puppy experiences separation anxiety. As long as you’re willing to work on dog training a little bit each day, your puppy will quickly learn these new behaviors. If you’re not confident about training your puppy yourself, you can enroll in a 6- to 8-week puppy training course, with weekly lessons touching on everything from bite control to obedience. Puppies usually need to be at least three months old for group training classes. If you want more intensive one-on-one work, you can opt for private lessons. Some behavior problems can be resolved in one session if the dog owner learns and can implement new skills. In the case of more serious issues, 3 to 10 private sessions can typically correct challenges.

Emily P.

Verified review

Butch is amazing. My dog had severe fear angression and has a bite history. After being with Butch for several weeks, my dog is no longer aggressive and loves meeting new people. Not only did Butch work with my dog pertaining to his aggression, he also taught him skills and I'll continue to see Butch in the future for further training. If you dog needs help with aggression or obedience, K9 Kountry is the place to go! Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Kevin F.

We've only had a couple of sessions with Stephanie and our two French Bulldogs but we already know she was a great choice for our dog training needs. First of all - she loves what she does and it shows in her work. Stephanie is also very responsive to the behaviors that we want to change in our dogs, and is able to make the training fun. Additionally, my wife and I have busy schedules, and Stephanie is very flexible to finding training times that work for us. I highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering training for their dogs.

Lisa W.

I would recommend Zoom Room to anyone. Heather is a great trainer and is so encouraging, especially if you have a "hard to handle" dog. The training is a lot of fun and good exercise, as well. Lisa W.

Stella Y.

Pamela has helped so much with training our dog Darwin. She's taught us how to take charge of Darwin. Darwin now knows that we make the rules. Additionally, Pamela has helped us with Darwin's barking problem. Whenever anyone would come over, Darwin would immediately start barking. Pamela showed us how to get him to stop barking, and it works!

Jill R.

A great dog trainer. We saw progress instantly. Very easy going and friendly. On time and very polite. Gave us very good tips to work on and I liked how he has a balanced approach towards dog training.

Cyndi L.

Tena is amazing! I had two badly behaved dogs that needed training. Tena helped me set up a list of behavioral goals for my dogs. She then provided a detailed training schedule to help accomplish those goals. After just a few weeks of weekly training sessions, my dogs can now sit, lie down, stay, and “leave it” on command. They now walk on a leash without pulling – something I was unable to accomplish on my own. Tena is affordable, knowledgeable, patient, and dependable. She teaches you how to train your dog so that you can practice commands on your own. I highly recommend Tena for any dog training needs. Cyndi L.

Eboni G.

This review is only based on customer service, not the dog training as I have not dropped my pup off for board and train yet. I will this weekend. Amber made me feel comfortable with her personable attitude and extensive knowledge of dog training. I'm expecting a positive experience and will update after training!

Tyler C.

Mallory has taken care of my dog for over a year now whenever needed. She also spent some time training my dog. Mallory is very dependable and reliable, and great with my dog.

Colette F.

Comfort Crew provides great care for our dogs! We've used them during extended vacations and also for occasional single afternoon visits. Belinda and Daniel go above and beyond! They always spend a lot of time playing with the pups and showing them love so that they don't feel lonely. They've even stayed extra time to keep the pups company during scary thunderstorms! Every time we travel, we call Comfort Crew. The email updates after each visit keep us updated during our travels. It's great peace of mind having them take care of our fur babies!

Joe H.

We signed up Emmitt (strong-willed 3 year-old Lab/Great Pyrenees Mix) for training with TDS. Emmitt had always been a good dog, with potential to be great if he could overcome this one very annoying and troublesome flaw – reactivity to other dogs. (He thought he needed to protect us.) Also, we have a new grandson on the way, and wanted to make sure Emmitt would be in control around the baby. So, we began goal-based training sessions to 1) desensitize his reactivity issue and 2) get him ready for the baby. I have to say, the benefits have gone way beyond the goals set. Emmitt is a completely different dog. He has progressed tremendously beginning with the first session. The way he recognizes me as his “leader” and his rapid progress on his obedience training has been amazing. At first I was skeptical of some of the methods. For example, having him tethered to me with a 6 foot leash when I was doing my routine around the house seemed crazy. However, after doing it for a week, even without the leash, he happily followed me everywhere and looked to me to tell him what to do! All instruction is based on positive reinforcement only. The trainers are great to work with. They come to you (to your house or another designated location). For us, it was a park near our house that we used for some of the training sessions. This is much better and more sustainable, since the dog is being trained in his regular environment. In our case, they even brought their own dogs to help work with Emmitt, and left a baby stroller & doll at our house to acclimate him to having a baby around. Emmitt still has a ways to go, but is much less reactive to other dogs. And most importantly, we are confident he will not be problem around the new baby either. My experience with TDS has been outstanding. I highly recommend them, especially if you have a unique training need.

Ginger C.

Great class. The trainer is very patient with the dogs and their owners and you can tell that she loves dogs. She gives you homework to do with your dog for the next class and if you follow her directions, you’ll see the progress with your dog. The trainer provider great info on dog behavior.

Courtney O.

Allyson is probably the only person my 90 lb rescue will trust. He adores her and is so comfortable around her. Allyson is always on time and exercises both my dogs (sometimes on a walk sometimes running around in the yard if I ask her) for the agreed upon length of time. I couldn't recommend Allyson more to take care of your pups!

Philip K.

After exhausting all efforts on a short notice trip out of town, I was referred to Stephanie from Denton Pet Sitting to watch over my little dog Dizzy. I was apprehensive at first with her Danes, but my Dizzy was instantly welcomed, happy and safe the entire time in Stephanie's care! Great service, Thank You! I will definitely refer you to others!!

About

I love all dogs. I will travel to your site for dog feeding, sitting and walking as your need requires. I will travel up to 20 miles, one way. Please send me an email for a price quote. Thank you, and God bless!

I do in-home daycare/boarding for Denton, Texas and the surrounding areas. I am a one-man operation and have extensive experience with all breeds. I will list my website so you can determine if it's something you would like to proceed with.

Burleson, TX515 Dog Trainers near you

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Burleson Dog Trainers

Karen E.

Clay K.

Emily P.

Tammy R.

Kevin F.

Grace B.

Lisa W.

Stella Y.

Jill R.

Cyndi L.

Eboni G.

Tyler C.

Colette F.

Joe H.

Penny L.

Ginger C.

Courtney O.

Philip K.

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How old should a puppy be for training?

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How long does it take to train a puppy?

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