Just been thinking about my pup...she's five months old now, but we have only had her for just over three weeks. She is doing fairly well - she certainly has her crazed puppy moments, which I attribute to general puppyhood and crazed teething...I had forgotten how much work a pup is!

Here is what we are working on:
-Walking nicely on lead, am using a prong collar for this & only allowing her to correct herself
-Also walking in heel position with my other GSD at the same time (going wonderfully thank goodness!)
-Sit
-Down
-Very brief Stays (like 10 seconds, then release word)
-Leave it (She might think her name is leave it at this point lol, she is thinks that her world will not be complete until she has had every wood chip in her mouth)
-Drop it

Probably some others I can't think of right now...

Anywho, I was just wondering when it is an appropriate time to start more formal obedience training with her...She is in a puppy class right now to socialize, etc. Also attending other "events" like flea markets, busy Saturdays at the park, so she can get used to many environments as I travel with my dogs.

I believe it was at about 9 months that I got more serious with my 4 yr old GSD.

Just looking for some ideas, comments, etc. so that I know I'm on the right track <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-Melissa

Motivational obedience can start at 8 weeks - things progress from there.I suggest my Basic Dog Obedience DVD http://lerburg.com/302.htm

 Quote:

Just been thinking about my pup...she's five months old now, but we have only had her for just over three weeks......

You could teach the recall, which, if started right, can be absolutely motivational with zero corrections.

Be the best show in town in your yard, with her on lead, and with you calling her to you. Every time she comes to you, she is praised and rewarded. "Come" means fun and walks and treats and games. (If she doesn't come, you can just round her up with no comment. Set her up to win, though: She will want to come if you do it right.)

If you do *not* call her to you for anything unpleasant (like meds), but just go get her, then the recall will be cemented at a great age and you'll be very happy to have this important (and potentially life-saving) command under your belts. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The LB DVD #302 covers every basic obedience command and much more. I've "assigned" it as homework to new owners of any age dog. It's also fun, and motivational, starting you off right with the good timing you can achieve with marker training.

P.S. Editing to say that Ed spelled the link wrong. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Here it is:
http://www.leerburg.com/302.htm

Thank you both! I will be ordering that video today...

Connie - we have been working on recall, one of those things I forgot to mention lol...but I appreciate your tips very much...certainly some things I had not thought of <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-Melissa