The best answer to the puppy training question of when to start is simply as early as possible. Puppy crate training and even using some tried and true puppy training tips can help owners get started on the right foot with their new dog. Most puppy owners may not realize that puppy training was actually started within the first few days of the puppy's life with the mother dog and littermates as socialization and interactions with humans are some of the first and most essential training for a well rounded dog.

Puppy Training Tips

Some of the most important puppy training tips are actually very practical and just good common sense, although they may not be obvious to new puppy owners and those getting started with puppy training. The following are designed to help new owners get started with their training:

• Be consistent
  The worse habits of puppies and dogs are not developed because of the dog, they are allowed to develop by inconsistent owners and puppy training routines. If you allow the puppy to do something one way one day and expect something completely different the next, you are only going to confuse the puppy. Plus dogs, like people, will take the easy way out when given the opportunity.

• Use positive puppy training methods, not negative
  Puppies love to please, so praise them for doing the right thing. Ignoring your puppy for few minutes when they are doing something wrong is all it takes to let them know you are displeased. Don't yell, hit or roughly treat a puppy, this is cruel and abusive behavior and will severely damage your puppy's trust in you as the leader.

• Teach age appropriate commands
  Don't expect your puppy training routine to look like an adult dog training routine. Puppies need to learn the basics of come, sit and down, then when they are calmer, more sure of themselves and more focused they can learn commands like stay, heel and fetch.

• Reward approximations
  Puppies will need clues and cues that they are on the right track. If you notice the puppy starting to do the right thing, reward them immediately, gradually expecting more before you provide the praise and a small treat. Don't expect an eight week old puppy to run across your whole yard to get to you when you come, walk close to the puppy and reward them when they start in your direction, gradually increasing the distance as the puppy gains confidence and mobility.

Puppy crate training

Puppy crate training is another essential part of training. Puppy training tips for crates include:

• Make the crate a "good place"
  Add a few toys, comfortable bedding and encourage the puppy to spend time in the crate without being closed in or confined.

• Never use the crate as a punishment
  If the crate is seen as a place to do a time-out, your puppy is not going to want to be in there at all.

• Avoid accidents
  Don't leave the puppy in the crate for longer than he or she can go without toileting. You don't want the crate to become a bathroom, which it can if the puppy simply has no option but to go in the crate. If this happens don't punish the puppy – it was your fault not his or hers. Clean the crate and bedding and more closely monitor the time the puppy is confined.

Following these few simple puppy training tips for your puppy crate training and puppy training routines will help both you and your new pet get off to the right start.