As with humans, dogs need to be taught good manners. But there’s an important difference: Training a pet requires crossing a language barrier, which is why it helps to enlist professionals. The Weekly spoke with Donna Foreman and Johnna Holland, owner and trainer, respectively, at Smarty Paws (4161 N. Rancho Drive #120, 702-396-8501, smartypaws.com), about best pup practices.

When should a family bring a new puppy in for training? Foreman: The biggest issue with puppies is, they’re not socialized soon enough. People wait until they’re 6 months old, and they’ve already started developing certain fears or bad habits. They can be corrected; it’s just going to take longer. We like puppies to get socialized in a safe environment as soon as possible. … As soon as that puppy has two sets of shots, it would be safe to come into a building like ours.

Many people acquired dogs during the pandemic lockdown. What should they do for their pups as they start venturing back out into the world? Foreman: Take a group obedience class with your dog. [If the dog has been isolated], it’s going to have some fear issues, but you can slowly work through them. … Once the dog has self-confidence, it’s going to be a little bit more social.

Holland: I definitely recommend going to a daycare or a bootcamp, getting the puppy to work on its confidence away from the owner so that we can curb any potential separation anxiety as well.

What are some general best pup practices? Foreman: Use positive reinforcement. Be patient. Be consistent. Set your house rules so the dog doesn’t get confused. For example, if the dog’s not allowed to jump on Mom, the dog’s not allowed to jump on Dad. Everybody in the home should know what the rules are, because you don’t want the dog to get mixed messages.

What’s the No. 1 mistake you see dog owners make? Foreman: Forcing their dog to say hi to another dog or to a person. Let your dog decide if they want to greet another dog or greet a person.

Why do you dislike retractable leashes? Foreman: You have no control on that dog. The dog isn’t close enough to you that you can protect it if something approaches fast. Retractable leashes are dangerous to humans and to other dogs.

What are the benefits of dog agility courses? Foreman: It builds a bond between the owner and the dog. It teaches good stays and releases. Exercise. Confidence. I’ve seen dogs literally crawl in on their bellies, terrified of the world. By the third week of agility, it’s pulling the owner, going, “Let’s go Mama. We’re going to have fun!”

Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? Foreman: Yes. They’re always learning. Some dogs may be more resistant than others, just because of their personalities.

Holland: To this day, I teach [my 13-year-old mix] new stuff, and she loves it.

Quick Tips

Car manners Left to their own devices, dogs will bolt from the car once you open the door. Foreman recommends teaching your pup to wait in the vehicle until you give them an OK to leave. This is easier on the owner—and safer for the dog.

Learn to love the vet To keep your dog from fearing veterinarian visits, provide some positive experiences. “You can visit the vet just to [get] a cookie and then leave,” Foreman says.

Collar courtesy Dogs might instinctively try to run away whenever you reach for their collar, but you can train them to stick around by giving them a treat as you touch the collar, Foreman advises.

Prevent separation anxiety With many of us still quarantined at home, it’s important to teach your dog that you won’t always be around 24/7. Foreman recommends leaving your pup behind, even if it’s just to drive around the block, so the dog can become comfortable with a little solitude.

Make them work. Dogs are thinking animals, and they need enrichment. “Give your puppies puzzles; get their brains working,” Holland says. “It’s so good for them.”

Click HERE to subscribe for free to the Weekly Fix, the digital edition of Las Vegas Weekly! Stay up to date with the latest on Las Vegas concerts, shows, restaurants, bars and more, sent directly to your inbox!