HOW AND WHEN TO TAKE PUPPY FOR THEIR FIRST WALK

Jun 6, 2021

Adelaide Puppy & Adolescent Dog Training

Trick training plays an important role in both puppy development and adolescent dog training.  During these stages, dogs are learning how to process information, regulate emotions, and respond to their environment.

For puppies, trick training:

    • Builds early communication skills
    • Supports focus and impulse control
    • Helps prevent frustration-based behaviours
    • Encourages calm engagement with their human

For adolescent dogs, trick training:

    • Reinforces learned behaviours during developmental changes
    • Improves reliability around distractions
    • Provides appropriate mental stimulation
    • Strengthens connection and cooperation

At Best Friend Dog Care in Adelaide, South Australia, we include trick training as part of a broader education framework helping owners understand how their dog learns, not just what to teach.

 

Why Trick Training Supports Long-Term Behaviour

Both puppies and adolescent dogs experience rapid brain development. During these stages, clear communication and consistency are critical.

Due to the fact that dogs are contextual learners, behaviours must be practised across multiple environments and gradually increased distractions. 

This approach supports:

    • Better generalisation of cues
    • Reduced confusion or regression
    • Greater confidence in real-world settings

This is especially important during adolescence, when dogs may appear to “forget” previously learned behaviours. In reality, their brain is simply reorganising, and structured training provides clarity and stability.

We Integratie Trick Training Into Puppy & Adolescent Programs

Trick training is not separate from behavioural work, it complements it. 

When used correctly, it supports:

    • Calm behaviour around people and other dogs
    • Improved listening skills
    • Emotional regulation
    • Clear communication during everyday life

This integrated approach is a key component of our puppy and adolescent training programs in Adelaide.

Review from Leah Itsines and Mitch Caon

“Tamara is seriously my Wally boys best friend!   Tamara’s help from when he was a puppy to well over a year now has been an incredible investment, and one that we would do over and over again.   Having a puppy is no easy feat, but having Tamara there to love and support your little one in their early days makes a world of difference. We’re about to embark on getting a new puppy, and can’t imagine not having Tamara to help guide us as well as the puppy to be on his best behaviour and I can’t wait to do it all over again.
One thing I love about Tamara and I tell everyone is that she’s a dog/animal LOVER AND an incredible trainer.   I think for me that was important that my dog felt loved, but also at the same time really respected the trainer (helicopter mum over here!) and I really felt that training Wally got the best of both worlds.
My also favourite thing about Tamara is the wealth of knowledge around our besties that she passes on – even without her knowing!   The little gem’s she drops while training really helps you as an owner to understand the ‘why’ when it comes to training.
That’s something I love!
                                           Love Leah and Mitch xx “
Dog Behavioural Trainer Tamara, Leah Itsines, Mitch Caon and Wally the Mini Groodle

Leah Itsines & Mitch Caon with Wally & Trainer Tamara

Best Friend Dog Care establishes trust for pets and families alike