Having a dog in your life can be such a source of joy, but it can also be a cause of frustration when the dog is untrained — this is especially true with a new puppy! Puppies are too young to understand the difference between good and bad. You can yell at a puppy all day, but they simply do not have the cognitive ability to comprehend.

Puppies have short attention spans but are able to begin learning basic obedience commands at a young age. Here at Sorenson Kennels, we have over 65 years of experience training puppies and dogs in St. Charles. Contact us to enroll your dog in our Puppy Training in St. Charles and receive the best care in Missouri!

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What Is the Puppy Training Program?

We have refined our program into a 3-week, on-leash session that allows our trainers to give your puppy the attention it needs. We make the entire process simple and stress-free for you and your puppy.

Drop your puppy off at our dog boarding facility in St. Charles that sits on a beautiful 50+ acres.
Over the 3-week boarding, your puppy will live in luxury and enjoy our 17’x5’ kennel runs, as well as receive the proper socialization.
Your puppy will receive the best dog training in St. Charles from our team of experienced trainers using positive reinforcement methods and food rewards.
After the 3-week training program is completed, you will pick your puppy up and witness the new skills it has learned!

Our team of dedicated trainers will teach your puppy obedience commands including:

Sit and Down, with distance and duration
Heel and Loose leash walking and not pulling or dragging
Recall (come), so if they are running around, you can call them back to you
Place (stay), including on any elevated surface (we like to use pet cots) “get up there and stay up there

Puppy manners/misbehavior will also be addressed, which includes:

Leash pulling
Jumping
Nipping
Barking
Leave it
Counter surfing

With these commands, we give them a strong foundation to be well-behaved puppies at home. At the end of their puppy training program, we will have a lesson with you as the owners and show you all the skills your puppy has learned. During the lesson, your trainer will show you how to reinforce these commands at home as well as when you can apply these commands in your everyday life. Be ready to participate because once we show off what your puppy can do, it’s your turn to take them for a spin using all their new skills!

When Should I Start Training My Puppy?

The ideal age that we like to start training puppies is around 5 months old. This is a good age because your puppy is like a sponge and willing to learn. This gives us a chance to teach your pup before they have learned various bad habits and can establish all the good habits we want them to carry into adulthood.

Why Training Your Puppy Is Needed

Along with commands and behaviors, it is important to begin puppy training early so your puppy will become socialized. This will help ensure your puppy is comfortable with humans and other dogs. Proper socialization can help your puppy avoid developing fears and phobias such as children or riding in cars.

Overall, training your puppy is an important step in being a dog owner and will ensure your pet develops into a well-mannered, happy companion.

What Comes After Puppy Training?

After completing our program for puppy training in St. Charles, your puppy will be developmentally ready to begin learning additional new skills. We recommend Basic Obedience next. This will continue to develop your dog’s skills, but the difference between puppy training and adult basic obedience is that it focuses on effective corrections and less on positive reinforcement/rewards since older dogs have the cognitive ability to understand good from bad.

Helpful Tips For New Puppy Owners

Starting a set potty schedule with your puppy as soon as you bring them home can get you off to a great start. This way, your puppy can start learning your house and schedule.
Make sure you have a leash and collar that properly fits your puppy. They will grow quickly, so it’s okay to have multiple sizes.
Let your new puppy drag their leash around the house; this will help you keep them close to you so you can watch if they are going to potty or get into something they shouldn’t. This will also help them to learn to get used to the leash and collar since they probably have never felt one before.
Have a kennel set up and ready that way, when you are not able to watch your puppy or have to go out, you are able to put them somewhere safe where they can’t get hurt or into trouble.
Puppies are a lot of work and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed by your new pup — don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are some puppy tips that Sorenson has learned throughout the years:
Get your puppy accustomed to being touched on its feet, face, legs, mouth, etc. It will help on trips to the vet or groomer.
Don’t encourage behavior that you’ll regret when they’re older and bigger. For example, a tiny puppy jumping on people is cute, but it won’t be when it’s 60 pounds.
Bitter apple spray is used as an anti-chew device. It is non-toxic and won’t stain carpet or fabric so it is commonly used on items and even on your pup’s irritated skin to prevent them from aggravating it more.
Baby gates can help teach your puppy what areas of the house are off-limits.
Rotate through the dog toys. Let your puppy have two or three toys at a time and change up the toy selection every now and then to keep your pup interested.
Avoid retractable leashes. They can snap, and they actually encourage dogs to pull.
When potty training, associate a term with when the pup starts going, such as “Go potty” or “Hurry up.”
Pick a potty spot. If you don’t want your dog poo-ing all over the yard as an adult, pick one area and take your puppy directly there when it’s potty time.
Start driving your puppy in the car early if you want them to like the car and not get car sick.
Be consistent with your puppy. To avoid confusion, all family members should use the same name and not a nickname or shortened version, and follow the same set of rules for what they allow the pup to do.

How Should I Prepare for My Puppy’s First Play Date?

Puppy socialization isn’t just with other dogs, it is with new people, sounds, and sights. We always want any type of socialization to be positive. Taking your puppy for walks around the neighborhood and even pet-friendly stores is a great way to get them used to new sights and sounds. Be patient with your new puppy and go at their pace. Always have lots of treats on hand!

To keep your new puppy healthy when socializing with other dogs, it’s important to ensure they have all their vaccinations. When introducing your puppy to new dogs, make sure you know the dog you are introducing your puppy to. We want these interactions to be positive. If you don’t have any other dogs you can trust your puppy with, a supervised doggy daycare is another good way to get your puppy socialized.

Best Puppy Boarding and Training Facility

Sorenson Kennels takes pride in being Missouri’s finest puppy boarding and training facility for over 65 years. Start your puppy’s development off right with the help of our passionate trainers! Contact us today to enroll in the Puppy Training Program at our St. Charles kennels.