My GS puppy turned 3 months yesterday.

I have both the 8 weeks to 8 months and Basic Dog Obediance tapes from Leerburg. The latter says it for dogs 5 months and older.

My question is this. My pup is smart but VERY hyper. He needs more than sit and down with food as training (along with a couple of walks and play) if I am to remain sane.

So, I'm thinking about beginning more serious training with him. For example, we have been walking quite a bit with a flexi lead. I have been allowing him to roam until he reaches the 16 ft. limit, then he must catch up (or slow down). He seems to be getting the idea because he tests the 16 ft barrier less and less. Do you see anything wrong with beginning to train him to stay on my left within say 10 ft., then 8 ft., etc.?

Further, I'm not very satisfied with is "come". So I have put a drag leash on him in the yard outside. Is really interesting how much more he listens with the drag leash than without.

I'm also thinking about beginning to withhold food and give mostly praise for obeying commands. Further, it seems reasonable to begin giving him corrections on the buckle leash when he does not obey. He clearly knows come outside, because when he is on a flexi or drag leash, he will watch me closely and as soon as I give the "come" he is right on me. Same goes with sit.

In summary, I'm thinking I will begin to use some of the method in Leerburg's Basic Obedience tape on this guy. Does anyone think this is a major mistake at 3 months?

Thanks

Doyle

Yes- I think this is a major mistake. Your impatience may ruin the pup. At three months, the pup is like a two year old toddler. Keep the pup from getting hurt and allow it to have fun. Bond with the puppy and be grateful that he's full of life and not a dud. JMHO

I'm with Ringsport, be patient.
It's good that your pup is as wild as he is. He seems to have great drive. Just do what you've been doing, don't alter anything.

The pup should learn to play before work. Build the pups prey drive with a ball. Teach the behaviors and commands with food. Then reward with the toy. When you put the energy of prey drive into your obedience you can move to more serious obedinece, quick downs, down in motion, long stays, etc. With pups that are high energy the obedience sessions are awesome! All focused around that ball. I have seen some one post "he will do whatever I tell him because he wants what I have." or something like that. JMO though.

I wouldn't get too serious too fast with a puppy of that age. You can still do things so he learns how to learn without progressing too fast into obedience. With pups you have to keep things happy and fast paced and use the momentum of the moment to teach small skills. Do you have access to a fenced area? Good place to practice come when called as a game - keep things fast paced- call him to come, reward/praise, then get him going again. Keep things moving and think of it as a play session rather than training to keep things in perspective. They are only a puppy once - enjoy it and use the time to teach manners and instill the love of play(which is learning)
into him. You gain more by waiting than trying to rush him into obedience. More dogs get ruined
or don't develop into what they could have been by virtue of too much too soon.

OK - I will take your advice and wait until 5 months as the Leerburg tape suggests.

He sure is aggressive with ball on string, tug, etc. Also, in the house he goes after the cat hard and I'm afraid he will soon hurt the cat.
You can tell it is a game with him, but the cat doesn't look at it that way! I don't let him run free in the house to avoid that.

This pup and I have bonded well I think. My wife and I are in our mid 60s and love this little guy, but find he is a handful!!

Doyle