May 18, 2011
I plan on getting a puppy in the next few months and have been searching the web for training DVDs. Which ones do you think are appropriate for me?
Full Question:
Hi Cindy,I plan on getting a puppy some time in the next 2 to 4 months and have been searching the web for training DVDs and have decided to get some of the ones Leerburg sells. I guess my main question is which ones do you think are appropriate for me?
We (me, my girlfriend and currently 20 month old son) are most likely going to adopt a puppy from a local rescue so I'm not sure exactly which breed/mix or what exact age he or she will be, but we'd like a puppy that will become a medium to large dog.
What I'd like to get out the training is great obedience, great off leash recall (with a voice command and a whistle), ensure proper socialization, maybe do some search/scent games, and of course a little fetch. And he or she will be accompanying us on hikes.
I've already looked at these on your site:
Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months, Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet, Basic Dog Obedience, The Power of Training Dogs with Markers, Remote Collar Training for Pet Owners
More questions: Do I need all of these? Am I missing anything crucial? Should one do marker training OR e-collar training, or can both be done?
Please excuse this rather long email (and any other future long emails), but your help would be greatly appreciated. I know the pup's arrival is a bit far off at 2 to 4 months, but I just want make sure I'm fully prepared to raise a happy, healthy, well-balanced dog once he/she does arrive.
Thanks,
James
Cindy's Answer:
Hello there,
I want to commend you on doing your research before you get a dog, more people should practice this.
The dvds you list are exactly what I would recommend. You can certainly do marker training and use the ecollar. I do this every day with my own dogs. I start with marker training from day 1 and teach everything in a positive and fun manner. The ecollar is added later, as a back up to my voice should I need it. I don't use it as a punisher, but as a way to either interrupt a behavior or to get my dog's attention.
Once you get your puppy, let me know if you have any additional questions.
Cindy
I want to commend you on doing your research before you get a dog, more people should practice this.
The dvds you list are exactly what I would recommend. You can certainly do marker training and use the ecollar. I do this every day with my own dogs. I start with marker training from day 1 and teach everything in a positive and fun manner. The ecollar is added later, as a back up to my voice should I need it. I don't use it as a punisher, but as a way to either interrupt a behavior or to get my dog's attention.
Once you get your puppy, let me know if you have any additional questions.
Cindy
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