Puppy Training During Fall. An Important Time for Exposure.
Puppy training during the fall months is a great time for natural distractions. The leaves are falling, Halloween decorations are up and the weather is not too hot, not too cold, which is ideal for puppy training outside. Fall is very distracting for puppies and adult dogs. It is an excellent time of year to continue puppy training by taking advantage of everything that is going on outside.
The Weather
You may want to hide under a blanket during windy, rainy days, but it is an important puppy training opportunity. Playing with and feeding your puppy during a storm is a great way to distract them. Taking your puppy out for a potty break or just to walk around in the wind and rain teaches your puppy that the weather is nothing to be afraid of. Your puppy picks up on your cues, so the best thing to do during bad weather is to go about business as usual.
The Holidays
Halloween is a great time for puppy training. It is important during puppy training to expose them to as many different sights, smells and textures as possible, but never force, coddle or praise when your puppy is exhibiting fearful behavior. Even very confident puppies can startle when a house they pass every day suddenly has decorations up. Help your puppy work through these uncertain moments by not reacting yourself. Walk past the house a few times, sit on the curb and relax for a bit or work on obedience nearby. Let your puppy check out your costume before you put it on and remember they learn by smelling. Instead of approaching your puppy in costume, let them come to you and use their noses. Instruct children and other adults to ignore your puppy and let them get use to all the humans looking strange. When in doubt, crate your puppy in a quiet room instead of overwhelming them.
The Smells
Leaves are changing colors and falling from their limbs. Animals and insects are getting ready for winter by burrowing, stocking up on food and moving to warmer winter homes. Your puppy is getting distracted by all of it. Puppies that normally come when called or walk nicely on a leash may listen to their nose more than you at this time. Have your puppy drag a long line for added security if they get startled or chase after something. Go outside with your puppy to confirm they go to the bathroom since they are more likely to get distracted and forget with all the different smells. Puppy training during Fall can either be a challenge, or it can be a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the season with them.
