How soon can I begin training by 6 month old pup? Before her, I had a Rottweiler, so I used a choke collar. My pup is only 25 lbs so I read you shouldn't use these on small dogs. So what should i use and when can i begin. I am familiar with the techniques and schedules.

Thank you all.

Jon

To answer your question directly, you can start now with short, happy sessions. I feel that any heeling work should be started on a flat collar at first, regardless of size. Give the dog a chance to learn it gently. If you need to step up to a prong later, you can. But I guess that the way I would further answer would depend on what kind of “heel” you want, competition or just a nice walk by your side.

The fact that you mention that you had a Rott before, and therefore used a choke chain is a red flag to me. Please disregard if I have jumped to the wrong conclusion, but did you train by popping the leash to make the dog stay at your side? This is a dated and less than desirable way to train any dog while doing nothing for your relationship (And if you did, don't feel bad. Most of us have done this in the past. There are just much better ways of doing things today.) A choke chain is a very poor choice as a collar for any reason, but most especially for corrections. There are many threads on why, but it boils down to the fact that they are dangerous.

The way I like to train a competition heel is motivational. Get the dog to want to stay with you. This way the size doesn’t matter, age doesn’t matter, and the collar doesn’t matter.

(VERY simplified version to follow. Drive, Focus and Grip and Training a Competition Heeling Dog are great and go into way more depth.) I use either a toy or treat and get the dog to focus on it while sitting at your side. Take one step and reward. Next time two steps before the reward, and then back to one step. Slowly increase the steps and eliminate the toy/treat from sight. This can even be taught with out any collar at all if in a safe and secure place. This is my favorite way to teach it.

Wow. Sounds really cool. Do I need to buy the videos in order to learn how to do this, or is it really that easy? I did use the choke chain, but I focused more on changing directions frequently than the yank and crank approach. I will investigate the DFG method.

Thank you.

Jon

 Quote: Jon Lee

Wow. Sounds really cool. Do I need to buy the videos in order to learn how to do this, or is it really that easy? I did use the choke chain, but I focused more on changing directions frequently than the yank and crank approach. I will investigate the DFG method.

Thank you.

Jon

Well, the answer, as it usually is with dog training, is both yes and no. Kinda like riding a horse, shooting a gun, surfing (my hobbies); it is as easy as climbing on, pointing and shooting, or standing up. It is the very beginning, the foundation, but it does not tell you the finesse that goes into it. The subtle nuances that only come with experience, and barring that, great instruction.

The videos I listed above are absolutely wonderful. I have studied both and have learned from them each. They not only show many of the subtle nuances, but what can go wrong and how to fix them when they do. They show how to build up the drive to make it fun, and how to focus that energy so the dog can learn. How to reward and correct, and most importantly, when you need to correct. In the case of Drive, Focus and Grip it goes into the foundation needed for all bite work and bonding with your dog. I can’t recommend them enough.

Then there is the whole marking thing. It is the best way I have come across to teach a dog in a positive way. The dog wants to learn and completely understands what you are asking. There are many articles and threads on marker training here as well. This is easily integrated into the method outlined above.

Now with all of the sweet and positive talk, I still train my dogs in a prong. They do, on occasion, get corrected. That happens far less often than when I first started working my dogs and they look happy while working now. They almost smile up at me as if asking, “What can I do next?!?” (Some, like Bob Scott, a member here, use almost no correction at all and show to very high levels. That just shows me that he has mastered the communication between himself and the dog in a way that I have not yet.)

Bottom line. Yes, it is that easy! But it is only the beginning…

Thank you Jessica for your advice and explanation. I am also a long-time surfer so I understand the analogy. I just bought the DVD you recommended, and given this puppy's energy level and strong will, I think the training will be exactly what she needs.

Jon