Training a puppy is something that seems pretty straightforward, but is actually somewhat difficult to do well. It takes some insight into the mind of a puppy to really train them well, not just throwing commands to them. If you're starting out on the process, here's a look at three things you never knew about training a puppy.

There Should Be No Name Calling

It's a general rule that you shouldn't use your puppy's name during training, at least not in a negative way. Why? Pet training experts say that your dog should never have a negative connotation with their name. That means that during training, it's fine to use the word no, but don't say, "No, Fido!" Your dog should always want to come running when they hear their name, and using it in a negative tone could cause them to be hesitant. They'll quickly get confused if sometimes their name is good, but sometimes it's bad. This is especially useful in a situation where you have a dog that's running for danger (like a busy road). A dog that quickly comes when its name is called, no matter the circumstance, it what your ultimately after.

Training Should Start From Day One

It's a commonly held belief that puppy training shouldn't start until about two months of age. It is true that it takes until about seven or eight weeks of age for a puppy to master commands like sit and stay, but general obedience training should begin immediately according to experts like canine guru Cesar Millan. A puppy begins learning as soon as they come into the world, so they might as well be learning good habits.

Repetition Is Not the Key

Watch someone trying to train a dog, and you'll likely see a scenario that plays out with the owner saying, "Sit... sit... sit... sit..." until the puppy plops its rear down. The only problem with this is that the  puppy may start to think that the command for sit really is "Sit... sit... sit... sit..." and that the proper response is sitting down after the fourth time. This is a very difficult habit for owners to overcome, but one that could make training immensely easier.

Of course, even if you take all these tips into account, obedience training can still be a little overwhelming. That's why it's often best to enlist the help of a professional trainer. A pro puppy trainer likely has years of experience, and knows exactly how to deal with any canine personality. With a little help from the professionals, you'll be on the way to having a perfectly trained puppy in no time. Contact a business, such as Levenson Barb Dog Training Centers, for more information about dog training.