Training your new puppy is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. It’s important to
teach your puppy good behavior habits from a young age, as this will set them up for success as
they grow into adulthood. But when it comes to training, many new puppy owners wonder if
they should train their puppy themselves or seek professional help. In this blog post, we’ll explore
the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Training Your Puppy Yourself
Training your puppy yourself is a great option if you have the time, patience, and experience to
do so. It can be a rewarding way to bond with your puppy and watch them learn and grow. There
are many resources available online and in books that can help you learn how to train your puppy. With consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience, you can teach your puppy
basic obedience commands, house-training, and socialization.
Pros of Training Your Puppy Yourself:
• Cost-effective: Training your puppy yourself can be cost-effective, as you won’t have to pay
for a professional trainer.
• Bonding: Training your puppy yourself can be a great way to bond with your new furry friend.
• Flexibility: Training your puppy yourself allows you to work around your schedule and train at
your own pace.
Cons of Training Your Puppy Yourself:
• Lack of experience: If you’ve never trained a puppy before, it can be challenging to know
where to start or how to address certain behaviors.
• Inconsistent: It can be challenging to be consistent with training when you have other
responsibilities, such as work or family commitments.
• Limited resources: You may not have access to all the resources and tools that professional
trainers have, such as training equipment or expertise.
Getting Professional Help
Getting professional help is an excellent option if you feel overwhelmed or lack experience in
training puppies. Professional trainers have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help your
puppy learn good behavior habits effectively. They can also address any specific behavior issues
that your puppy may have, such as anxiety or aggression.
Pros of Getting Professional Help:
• Expertise: Professional trainers have the expertise and experience to train your puppy effectively.
• Customized training: Professional trainers can customize training to address your puppy’s specific
needs and behaviors.
• Time-saving: Professional trainers can help your puppy learn good behavior habits faster, saving
you time and effort.
Cons of Getting Professional Help:
• Cost: Professional training can be expensive, and it may not be feasible for everyone.
• Time away: Many programs board your puppy to maximize the training opportunities, but it
can be hard, especially for kids, while the new puppy is away.
• Follow Through: Many people using professional training services expect their puppy to be
perfect after training. The truth is that a new puppy parent needs to follow through and keep
the training going for their puppies entire life.
Whether you should train your puppy yourself or seek professional help depends on your experience,
resources, and preferences. If you have experience and time to train your puppy yourself, it can be
a rewarding experience. However, if you lack experience or feel overwhelmed, seeking professional
help can be a great option. Remember that consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to
teaching your puppy good behavior habits, regardless of whether you choose to train your puppy
yourself or seek professional help.
If you’d like to learn more about how Puppy Steps Training can help set you and your new furry
family member up for a smooth and successful start, give us a call at (208) 339-0032.