My pup is going to be 6 mo on the 19th this month, and I have been using motivotional training since 7 1/2 weeks old, and he is doing great with it, he is very excited to please me and tries real hard to follow the right road and does so most of the time.

My question really is when do you start with the prong, introducing correction into training to improve speed and reliability, I believe he knows the commands I have taught him now, he will comply 10 out of 10 times, just not for long "time" and far "distance" he actually is ok for small distractions. Is it time to introduce the Prong?

Also please see post in "Training Tools" sub section "Prong Collar" sub section "Puppy Prong" for my other related problem. I thank you.

Lonny

Ok, since no one is biting on this one I will tell you what I think, and why....

My first question is what are your plans for this dog?

Why are you in such a hurry? Motivational training takes longer, but the end result is much prettier and less stressful for the dog.

I find it hard to believe that you can not get an effective correction on a six month old pup with a flat collar. This could all be in your leash handling and I can explain what I mean by that.

If you have a constant contact with your dog, as in the leash is not necessarily tight, but no loop in it, you really have no power to your corrections. This also ties back into the opposition reflex and can contribute to the dog never looking at you or where you are, because he can constantly feel you..... think about it like this, if someone is pressing into your ribs and they press harder there is not near as much effect as a quick pop in the ribs.....same thing goes for your dogs neck.

None of us can magically tell you that your dog is ready or needs a prong over the internet, but what I can tell you is that 15 mins of bad handling can screw your dog up for a LONG time.

I will address your other post as well...

Patience my dear, patience....

Thank you,
My plans are Schutzhund. I am in no hurry, and I do want to do the best for my dog, as he tries his best for me. I am planning to continue the motivational training his whole life, but I am wondering if a bit of compulsion mixed in would be beneficial. I really had not planned on any compulsion until after a year old, but again I am wondering....I guess my real problem is me, I don't know how to train speed and reliability with the ball. Is that covered on Flinks Video?

I kinda wish you were here to try a flat collar correction on him <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> he just ignores them, he is kinda a hard puppy, the leval of correction I would need to do would pop him off his feet, which I don't want to do. I assure you I can administer a solid "Pop" correction, but thank you for checking on that! I know it's hard to give advise over a Forum and I am glad you are helping!

Lonny

Slow down. No rush here; you have plenty of time to "go heavier". Once you go heavier, you can't go back; the damage will be done. That's the beauty of training in focus and drive with motivational techniques. Good Luck.

Thanks Trooper,

I do need to slow down, you guys are right there is no hurry, he just learns so fast I get excited U know? I will go with my orginal train of thought.. go a year then re-assess.