If you want to raise an incredible dog, start as you mean to go on from the very first day you bring your new dog home. Read on for our top tips.

Smiling retriever puppyThe Best Time to Start Training is Right Away
Imagine not stepping foot in a school until your teenage years or only knowing the world inside your house for the first 15 years of life. You’d be a bit socially awkward, wouldn’t you? That’s what it’s like for a puppy if you wait until they’re 6-8 months old to start training.

Your Puppy’s Early Weeks Are Amazing
The first 16 weeks of your pup’s life are a whirlwind of development. They go from tiny babies to curious, growing tweens in just four months! This period is critical for shaping the dog they’ll become. A responsible breeder can prepare your puppy with early socialization and basic habits, like crate training. Unfortunately, not all breeders prioritize this. Buyer beware: by the time your pup reaches 16 weeks, their socialization window is closing fast.

Set Them Up for Success
From day one, set clear boundaries and create a positive environment for your new pup. Teach them where to potty, sleep, and play, and prevent unwanted behaviors before they start. What seems cute at 8 weeks can become a problem at 8 months if left unchecked.

Not All Trainers Are Created Equally
Dog training isn’t a regulated industry, so anyone can call themselves a trainer. Do your research. Does the trainer have the kind of dogs you admire? Do their methods resonate with your values?

  • Rewards-Based Trainers focus on reinforcing behaviors they like while using gentle consequences (like removing rewards) for unwanted behaviors.
  • Balanced Trainers use both rewards and aversive tools like prong, choke, or shock collars.
  • Old-School Trainers rely on dominance and punishment, often mocking modern, science-based methods as “cookie pushing.”
    No shock, prong or choke collars required

    Teaching manners and changing behaviors doesn’t need these devices.

Credentials Matter
Anyone can print a certificate and call themselves certified. Look for trainers with credentials from reputable organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or membership in groups like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).

Training Takes Time
You didn’t learn everything overnight, and neither will your dog. Training requires patience, consistency, and time.

terrier lying amidst torn up toilet paper

It’s typically the bored pup left to his own devices who gets into trouble.

Meet Their Needs
Hungry, bored, or under-exercised dogs aren’t at their best for learning. Ensure your dog’s physical and emotional needs are met for effective training.

Training is a Team Effort
There’s no “magic fix” for your dog because your dog isn’t broken. Trainers can make progress, but lasting success depends on you. Consistency is key, and training is an ongoing process.

Choose Kindness
Quick fixes often involve punishment, which can lead to stress, anxiety, or even aggression. Why teach through fear when you can train with love? Positive, force-free methods are not only effective—they’re also more enjoyable for you and your pup. Don’t just take our word for it, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends positive reinforcement over aversive methods. 

We’re Here for Pet Parents Who Want the Best for Their Dogs
At Mountainside Mutts, we’re passionate about helping you raise a happy, well-behaved dog without pain or fear. If zookeepers can train tigers and fish using positive reinforcement, you can train your dog the same way! With in-person and online options, we’re ready to support you on your journey. Set your puppy up for success with our Puppy Start Right program or reach out to us for customized canine coaching.

Let’s help your dog become their best self—the kind way. 🐶💖