Text Box: Why Train  You can start training your pup as soon as 8 weeks of age with positive training. You don't have to wait until after their set of shots to get started. In fact, waiting until they are 5 months+ in age before taking a private or group class may set you back. Without early and proper socialization young dogs may have instinctive fearful reactions to the unfamiliar; be it new people, new items, new places, new dogs. The basics are necessary. Learning how to sit on cue, walk on leash without pulling, not eliminate in the house, greet people politely, go to place, learn how to control excitement levels, leave-it, take it, drop it and how to come when called. Other important behaviors to work on is low-stress handling and husbandry work. This means teaching your dog with desensitization and counter-conditioning to like baths, getting drops in their ears, brushing their teeth, wiping their paws, trimming their nails and so it. It doesn't have to be a battle of wills. With patience and proper positive technique your dog can be cooperative in his own care. Owners have a lot to learn about living with an animal be it a dog, cat, bird or livestock. First and foremost is respect for their animals. A successful approach to learning about getting what you want from a dog is learning about how they learn. Learning for both us and animals come in distinct phases with distinct reinforcement schedules that help acquire new behaviors, maintain behavior and make behaviors resistant to extinction. Why I Clicker Train by Melissa Alexander Why I love watching Victoria Stilwell by Lisa Spector