As the New Year rolls in, many people welcome a fresh start—and for some, that means adding a new puppy to their family! The excitement of bringing home a furry friend is unmatched, but it’s important to remember that starting your puppy’s training early is crucial for a well-behaved, happy dog. The first few months of a puppy’s life are the perfect time to establish good habits, so beginning training with a professional right away can set the foundation for success.

Sunland Acres own personal professional dog trainer, BJ from Bark to Bliss, tells us all about the importance of starting early and how it is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a strong, loving relationship. It ensures your puppy will thrive and grow into the best version of themselves!

1. Socialization: Can help introduce your puppy to new people, animals, and environments in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring they grow up to be well-adjusted and confident.
2. Better Behavior: Starting with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come, will help prevent common puppy issues like excessive barking, chewing, and jumping.
3. Stronger Bond: Training strengthens the relationship between you and your puppy. Working with a trainer helps both of you understand each other better, promoting trust and communication.
4. Prevention of Future Problems: Staring early can help address behavioral issues before they become ingrained habits.
5. Mental Stimulation: Provided through training keeps their minds engaged with mental exercise which is just as important as physical. It reduces the likelihood of boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.
6. Confidence: A well-trained puppy is a confident puppy and they will be more comfortable in new situations.

It’s Never Too Late: How to Teach Your Older Dog New Tricks

Teaching your older dog new tricks is not only possible but can be an enjoyable bonding experience with the right approach. Here are some tips to teach your best friend a new trick in the new year!

1. Start with short, positive training sessions, no longer than 10-15 minutes.
2. Use high-value treats or toys to motivate your dog, and always offer praise to reinforce good behavior.
3. Be patient and consistent—older dogs may need more time to learn, so repetition is key.
4. Focus on one trick at a time, breaking it down into simple steps to avoid overwhelming your dog. If your dog has any physical limitations, adjust the tricks to accommodate them, and keep the training gentle.
5. Incorporating familiar cues and using hand signals can also help, as older dogs tend to respond better to consistency in their routines.
6. Lastly, ensure the environment is calm and distraction-free to keep your dog focused. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your older dog can successfully learn new tricks while enjoying the mental stimulation and strengthening your bond.

Sunland Acre’s Board & Train Program

Whether it is a new puppy or your family dog a board and train program can be a total game-changer, and the results are often more amazing than you’d expect!

Imagine your dog spending a few weeks with a professional trainer, receiving one-on-one attention and expert guidance. During this time, your pup will be immersed in structured lessons tailored to their needs, learning new commands, improving their behavior, and boosting their confidence—all while in a calm, distraction-free environment. The best part? You’ll see the transformation when your dog returns home, more well-behaved, focused, and eager to show off their new skills. Whether it’s mastering basic commands or overcoming long-standing behavior issues, a board and train program gives your dog a fresh start, and gives you the tools to maintain the success at home.

Now Offering:

• Training & Daycare sessions
• Training Daily Rate
• 5 Day Board & Train Program
• 7 Day Board & Train Program