This is a very common question I get asked all the time.
I’ve raised many pups over the years. Yes, I’ve made mistakes, but as the saying goes — we learn more from our mistakes than our successes. I’ve also studied under and learned from many excellent trainers along the way.
I remember picking up Thor at just 7 weeks old. I was living in South Australia at the time and drove down to Melbourne, Victoria to get him. I already knew his name, had his puppy pen and crate set up, tidied up all the power cables, built basic agility equipment, and had plenty of leashes, tug toys, and training gear ready. I had power tools so I could introduce him to those sounds and prevent noise sensitivity.
I had also spoken to the local gun range, so I could train him there while they had events on. And I booked him into a local puppy class with a professional dog trainer so I could socialise him to other dogs in a controlled setting.
So, when did I start training him?
Pretty much from the moment I met him.
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting — even for someone like me who’s done it many times. I know his breed intimately and the bloodlines he came from for generations, which made it even more special because I already knew his potential.
I also knew I had a very small window to socialise him properly while his brain was developing rapidly. I was intentional about what experiences he needed to become the best version of himself.
Many of you reading this have met Thor. Without the early work I put in, he wouldn’t be the dog he is today.
What happens when you don’t start early?
Thor came from a litter of three. His brother went to the owner of the father. Sadly, they left him in the backyard with almost no training or socialization. At around 2 years old, he was sent to me — scared and completely untrained. It took a long time to earn his trust. The only positive thing they did was play tug with him, and that became the foundation I used to rebuild his confidence and the reward good behaviour.
Even after a couple of months of work with me, he remained sensitive to noises and overreactive to everyday things. It was such a waste of a dog with incredible potential. What made it worse is that the owner knew better.
The lesson?
Start teaching your puppy immediately.
Their name and a rock-solid recall
Leash walking
Building drive for toys (especially tug)
Bite inhibition and taking treats gently
Getting them out in public at least 3 times a week
Socialization to other dogs and animals.
Almost all behaviour problems stem from a lack of early socialisation and training.
Start early. Be consistent. You won’t regret it.
