You should start training your dog the day you bring them home and continue training through their life. Training can include:

• Socialization

• Bonding

• Basics - potty, leash, kennel

• Obedience - sit, come, wait

• Impulse control 

• Safety-focused - leave it, drop it

The only training method we recommend is positive reinforcement, which is focused on rewarding your pet for good behavior rather than punishing them for undesired behaviors. It is grounded on the science of animal learning, specifically the principles of behavioral psychology. 

Positive reinforcement training is based on the idea that behaviors followed by rewarding outcomes are more likely to be repeated by your dog, so it is reinforcing the behaviors you want to see. In practice, positive reinforcement means giving your dog something they value (reward) immediately after they perform a desired behavior. Rewards can include treats, praise, play, toys, etc.

Positive reinforcement helps build a stronger relationship between dogs and their owners. It helps your dog build confidence, feel engaged, and reduces fear, stress, and anxiety that can result from punishment-based training methods.

A key component in positive reinforcement training must be consistent and timing of the reward must be done immediately after the desired behavior. This helps your dog make a clear connection between the action and the outcome. 

Help set your dog up for success by clearly showing them which behaviors earn rewards, reinforcing those behaviors consistently, and create a learning environment built on trust, communication, and positive experiences.