I have been reading and just want to make sure I purchase the correct collar for a 4 month old puppy. Is it the dominant dog or nylon slip for training? I need to be able to administer corrections. Thanks!

Hi Elizabeth,

When you say "training" what do you mean by that? I do not think you need to correct a four month old pup. It is new to world and learning - no need for corrections.

With a four month old pup, I do not even really do any type of training that requires a specific type of collar. I tend to focus on marker training (reward anything thing the pup does correctly) and getting the pup used to a large variety of collars. That is, I always have a thick flat leather collar on attached to leash at all times, but would put on a martingale, prong, e-collar, dominant, handkerchief, etc., and just rotate them so the pup gets used to having various types of things around its neck. I DO NOT engage any of those training collars (i.e., a leash never gets attached to the prong or martingale) - them being on serves no purpose other than getting the pup used to the different feels.

When a pup is about 12 months or so, and I want to do formal obedience training, I usually use either an e-collar or prong with a dominant collar (as a safety mechanism). I think if you are consistent right now with your pup in marking with praise all the good things it is doing, you will go much farther than forcing it through corrections. I suggest you take a look at Ed's article on the Theory of Corrections.

No, neither are for training and not for giving the kind of corrections I think you're talking about. Why do you want to give corrections to a 4 month old puppy? That's way too young for corrections. Just use a flat collar and forget correcting.

Correcting is for much later, for commands that are 100% known by the dog but not obeyed.

Here's an article you should read, Using Treats for Training. Also in that article is a link to Marker Training. Please read those. It will benefit your puppy and you.

Edited by Sandy Moore (06/05/2008 12:47 PM)
Edit reason: adding link

OK thank you for the advice- will wait for the DVD's on the issues I am having then.

Elizabeth, what issues are you having? Don't be shy!

*Why do you want to give corrections to a 4 month old puppy?*

I don't want my puppy chewing furniture and nipping. Maybe the collar is not for his age but I still think he needs to be corrected? Or is there a different word you prefer to use?

What is it called when you teach a puppy not to nip then?

The ebook said to grab the puppy by the cheeks which I will start doing.- that is a correction in my mind- unless like I said there is a different word that is used? I am correcting his behavior right?

You were asking about a collar to be used for corrections. That's what I was addressing. A flat collar for a puppy. For chewing furniture and nipping, redirecting is the best course of action for a dog that young. In other words, show him what he can chew on and get him engaged in that.

Once you've played with him with a toy he can chew on, chasing it, etc, then if you can't supervise him, put him in his crate. This will save your sanity and eliminate the need for corrections. This is not to say leave him in there all day of course, but it's great for when you've had enough of puppy shenanigans.

Also tethering him to you by a leash gives you control as you walk about. He won't be left to his own devices if he has to go with you everywhere you go.

 Quote: Elizabeth Stewar

What is it called when you teach a puppy not to nip then?

Redirecting...

Some puppies will respond to a cheek scruff by escalating their biting. What most people here will advise you to do is redirect the puppy to something more appropriate that your fingers or pant legs.

Biting (mouthing) is normal, annoying puppy behavior and it's made worse by teething. Your pup should be teething right about now...

Try rolled up frozen hand towels for him to chew on, or a kong stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter. Bully sticks work well to keep a pup busy, too.

Are you crate training? If not, please consider it. It saves the puppy from getting into trouble (furniture chewing)when you can't be right there with him. And it gives you a break, too!

Redirecting- thank you- That is the word I was looking for- Crate training yes- I am having a hard time with my spouse who is not cooperating with this 100% of the time. He let the dog out of the crate last night due to it whining. The whining does not bother me one but but I guess it annoys him. I am plugging along though.

When the puppy is in the crate he has a blanket and Kong with treats. I remove the blanket for feeding time and put the food in the crate. Does this sound correct?

 Quote: Elizabeth Stewar

I am having a hard time with my spouse who is not cooperating with this 100% of the time. He let the dog out of the crate last night due to it whining.

Get the DD collar for hubby!

A few well timed corrections should fix him in no time.