 Age to start basic obedience training?
#261879 - 01/12/2010 06:17 AM |
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As a new first-time owner of an 8-week pup, I'm reading the plethora of info re: dog training available - mostly articles by leerburg & cesar millan.
After reading another topic within this forum, I'm confused as to the appropriate age to start.
What say you, Forum members?
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 Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Bev Thibault ]
#261883 - 01/12/2010 07:09 AM |
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Its never too young to start, especially if you are marker training. What is important is your approach to it. Keeping it FUN, keeping the lessons SHORT, and setting your puppy up for success are the more important points. No corrections- that's important. Everything at this stage should be fun and exciting for the pup. Serious training should come MUCH later.
There are a bunch of videos you can watch of people working with their pups. The first one is a PERFECT example of how to work with such a young puppy:
Roni Hoff working with her 10 week old
Puppy Training
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Jessica Pedicord ]
#261885 - 01/12/2010 07:20 AM |
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Thanks Jessica,
During the "non-training" hours, how best to redirect a puppy's behaviour when he engages in undesired behaviour? E.g., We have the puppy cordoned off in the kitchen using baby gates. Despite my son being close by, the pup wants to sit by my stove, right where I need to stand to do the kitchen work.
When I tried to tether him to me, I felt I was dragging him most of the time, and I didn't want him to come to associate the leash with something unpleasant.
As well, I can only seem to entice the pup to come outside with pieces of kibble - I've read that puppies are programmed to follow their pack leader; given mine isn't interest in following me unless there is kibble, could that have any meaning? He's only been with us for four days, so I'm thinking he hasn't bonded to me yet.
B
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Bev Thibault ]
#261887 - 01/12/2010 07:27 AM |
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You can start foundations of obedience long before a puppy is 8 weeks old. Clicker work, name recognition, target following, etc can be started pretty much once the puppy can walk without falling over.
As far as learning commands you can start as low as 6 weeks, I wouldn't expect any kind of reliability until 4-5 months.
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Bev Thibault ]
#261888 - 01/12/2010 07:28 AM |
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Did you watch that video of Roni and her pup? The kind of work she's doing with him is exactly what you need to do. This will help you bond with your pup and make him more likely to follow you when tethered. Food always helps as well! Get used to carrying lots of treats in your pockets. Anytime your pup does something great, mark and reward. Reward for eye contact, reward for following you, etc.
If you are uncomfortable with tethering, lure the pup to you with treats. If he lingers near you, reward that as well. These are all things you can do while cooking. Teach him that sitting/standing at your feet REALLY pays off! This is the perfect time to start marker training with your pup.
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Bev Thibault ]
#261889 - 01/12/2010 07:33 AM |
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As well, I can only seem to entice the pup to come outside with pieces of kibble - I've read that puppies are programmed to follow their pack leader; given mine isn't interest in following me unless there is kibble, could that have any meaning? He's only been with us for four days, so I'm thinking he hasn't bonded to me yet.B
It could mean that you have an independent pup or it could be that there are interesting things on the floor. You might try something a bit higher value than kibble. I like boiled chicken breast as a training treat for puppies.
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Melissa Thom ]
#261905 - 01/12/2010 09:34 AM |
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Thanks Melissa,
The challenge is that our vet cautions us about too many treats. I'll keep it to kibble as that he'll come to receive; it's that he won't come with me unless he sees the kibble.
Not a big deal, but it would be interesting to know how long it take for a puppy to bond with its owners.
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Bev Thibault ]
#261909 - 01/12/2010 09:44 AM |
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And when I say lots of treats, I mean TINY little treat-specks. Like crumb-sized- smaller than half a dime! Like Melissa, I like using little pieces of chicken. If their regular food is chicken-based, then it shouldn't be hard on their bellies.
Don't want you to be under the impression that I'm telling you to ignore your vet- I would never do that. Just wondering why he said that? If you're stuffing them full of "Pupperoni", I would give the same advice that your vet did. But if you are giving them itty bitty tidbits of healthy food, then its different.
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Jessica Pedicord ]
#261912 - 01/12/2010 10:11 AM |
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Jessica,
I now have a better idea of how to engage Buckley with treats - what would you advise given the following counsel from my vet - not to give cheese. I've been using kibble, but he has to take time to chew it.
I tried jerky treats, but he turned up his nose. I could use chicken - but it's an expensive treat for me.
Also, when I can't train him (I'm healing from a herniated disc so I'm careful about bending over & injuring myself again), Ed's articles recommend putting him in his crate - do you concur?
Thanks for the help, Bev
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Re: Age to start basic obedience training?
[Re: Jessica Pedicord ]
#261913 - 01/12/2010 10:12 AM |
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Oh - yes; I watched the video. I don't have the much space, but I can reward him for being quiet, sitting near me, etc.
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