Expert Spotlight: Lisa Large. What to Know about Training Your Dog Before Bringing Home a Pup

 

Most people are incredibly excited about bringing home a dog, but that excitement can
sometimes push the important logistical planning to the backburner. Canine Foundations, based
in Barrie, Ontario, is dedicated to helping new dog owners with this very process. Lisa Large is a
seasoned Canine Behavioural Consultant and Instructor for Canine Foundations and she took the
time to share with Paction her experience as a dog training expert. Lisa has some incredibly
valuable insight to share with Canadians looking to bring home a new pup.

How to Choose the Right Puppy

Canine Foundations’ position is that training considerations for a dog should begin before you
even bring one home. In fact, the breed you choose plays a crucial role in setting both you and
your future pup up for success. Many people tend to decide on a breed based on their experience
with a single dog they know. However, that individual dog’s personality might not represent what
another dog of the same breed will be like.

In the past, labeling breeds with specific traits was discouraged. However, the behavioral and training community now acknowledges the importance of considering a breed’s natural tendencies, especially what a breed was originally bred to do. A dog’s instincts and biology strongly influence its behavior, and as a pup parent, it’s important to respect and support these natural drives. Ignoring them can lead to frustration for both you and your dog. Regardless of how much training you provide, a mismatch between the dog’s natural tendencies and your expectations, will leave you feeling stuck in a constant struggle. For example, some breeds may not easily adapt to the lifestyle you are living in your home.

To help with this, Canine Foundations offers a consulting service to guide clients in selecting the
right dog from a breeder. For instance, their Behaviour Consultants have helped families avoid
challenges they’ve faced in the past, like ending up with a puppy who has a natural tendency for
resource guarding. Instead, they help families identify a pup with a calmer, cuddly temperament
that better suits their household, particularly if there are children. This thoughtful approach has
helped many families find the perfect companion and avoid unnecessary obstacles in the training
process.

Early Puppy Training and the Role of the Breeder

When most people think about training a puppy, they focus on housebreaking, pee pad training, or crate training. However, there’s a critical stage before all of this - before formal obedience training with commands like "sit" or "recall" even begins. This stage happens in the hands of the breeder, and it’s where the foundation for a puppy’s future is formed.

This is known as foundational training, and it’s why responsible breeders with educated and intentional breeding programs are so important. Reputable breeders understand the significance of Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) during the first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life. The environment where a puppy is raised, whether it’s a nurturing home or a much less optimal setting like a barn or puppy mill, greatly influences their future behavior and future trainability. During these early days, puppies begin to “learn how to learn.” This process shapes their ability to handle stress and regulate emotions as they grow.

Lisa explains that puppies raised in a barn or outdoor environment miss out on exposure to household sounds, regular handling, and socialization with humans. In contrast, pups raised in a home are introduced to everyday noises and are frequently handled, helping them build confidence and adaptability around people and children. Pups that come from a rescue or shelter background face even more unique challenges. Ideally, puppies should be given both agency (control over their actions) and autonomy (independence to explore) in their early days, which positively impacts their future experiences, such as visits to the vet, grooming sessions, or interactions with their future owners and families.

These early experiences are critical because they cannot be revisited or rewritten. A puppy’s ability to handle new challenges, to form positive associations, and to build resilience depends heavily on this crucial developmental window. Choosing a breeder who prioritizes these practices ensures that your puppy starts life on the best possible footing.

Most Common Pitfalls in the Puppy Training Process

Canine Foundations sees a lot of clients. And, one of the biggest mistakes new dog owners make
is setting unrealistic goals or trying to rush the training process. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s
easy to expect speedy results, but dogs’ brains don’t work like automated machines. Training is a
gradual process, full of ups and downs. When owners focus too much on the end goal, they often
overlook the importance of celebrating small steps and incremental progress.

Lisa is adamant that it’s essential to adapt and adjust when a particular method isn’t working for
your dog. Rushing the process can lead to frustration for both you and your pet, and it often
results in approaches that aren’t in the dog’s best interest in the long run. At Canine Foundations,
they emphasize the importance of respecting your dog’s learning journey and showing empathy
throughout the process. If your dog isn’t enjoying the time you spend together training, they’re
less likely to learn.

Another common pitfall among dog owners is assuming that any prior experience with dogs qualifies you to train your dog. While having dogs in the past can provide some insight, it doesn’t replace a solid understanding of the neuroscience behind how dogs learn. If you’re not well-versed in the science of canine learning, it’s vital to work with a professional who truly understands these principles and can guide you through the process.

By taking your time, being patient, and partnering with someone with expert knowledge, you can create a positive and rewarding training experience for you and your dog.

Enrichment for Dogs: A Key to Good Behavior

Training isn’t all about obedience. Canine Foundations emphasizes that supporting your dog’s mental health with enrichment will go a long way to promoting good behaviour in your pup. 

When a dog displays bad behavior, like chewing up the couch while you’re at work, it’s often a sign of unmet needs or unhappiness. This is why it’s essential for prospective dog owners to consider whether they can provide their future dog with enough breed-appropriate enrichment.

Dogs thrive when they have opportunities to engage in activities that align with their natural instincts. Beyond basic needs like safety, agency, and autonomy (as perceived by the dog, not just the owner), dogs require outlets to express their innate behaviors. Whether it’s playing fetch, exploring new scents or treats in a snuffle mat, digging a hole in the backyard, enrichment is vital for their mental health and overall happiness.

Providing proper enrichment not only keeps your dog engaged but also helps build confidence and problem-solving skills and contributes positively to a dog’s overall mental health. A well-stimulated dog is less likely to resort to destructive behaviors, such as chewing or digging, as an alternative to satisfy their unfulfilled instincts.

By understanding your dog’s unique needs and offering appropriate activities, you’ll not only have a happier pet but also foster better behavior in the long run. Enrichment is more than just entertainment—it’s a critical component of responsible dog ownership.

About Canine Foundations & Lisa

The Canine Foundations Team stands out in their industry through their unwavering commitment to excellence and ethics. Highly educated and dedicated to staying current with the latest research, their trainers ensure that their methods are rooted in humane, science-based techniques. Their comprehensive 3-part assessment process allows them to fully understand each dog and their owner’s unique needs, providing personalized and effective training solutions. They adhere to a strict code of conduct, prioritizing the well-being of every dog, and take a no-shortcuts approach, delivering realistic and transparent guidance for long-term success.

Lisa Large, a Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant and Service Dog Coach, has over 15 years of experience specializing in fear-based behaviors, aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety and free-roaming dogs.  She has been at Canine Foundations for the last 8 years. Canine Foundations offers private training, and education programs for dog professionals, while also supporting animal rescue efforts and humane education in communities worldwide.