I need help. I have an 8 week old Rottie pup who was tested and determined to have good temperment for protection training which is my ultimate goal with him. My problem is Niko (the pup) acts like a maniac on his collar and leash. I have had pups before but I have never seen them act like this. His first collar was a regular nylon one but he outgrew it so quickly. I have a small choker that I use with him and it sounds like a torture session when I have him outside on it. He won't go potty or anything with it on and it becomes a battle of wills where we end up going back inside and I put him back in his crate until I think he will go potty. I was thinking crate training would be an issue but it's the whole collar and leash deal. Should I consider a prong collar with him so soon? Or continue to deal with our "drag in an effort to walk" sessions on the choker, which by the way doesn't seem to phase him at all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I'm no expert but 8 weeks old sounds way too early. My suggestion would be to re-introduce the collar without any distractions. Or you could have him drag the leash around the house until he gets used to it. Maybe some of the more experienced trainers can chip in but I was told that 8 weeks is early for a prong.

Thanks...I was thinking so too but the scene outside is just unreal. He has no problem dragging it around the house and with it being on him. The problem comes in when I pick up the other end and try to lead him anywhere on it. He acts a fool, literally...screams bloody murder, flips over on his back and just wigs out. Inside he lays around and chews the lead..outside is a whole other picture. And at 4:30 in the morning when he does his "gotta go potty" whining from the crate, I'm not trying to let the entire neighborhood know that Niko is outside trying on a potty break. A trainer I talked to said "he has to learn" but I'm not trying to choke the wind out of him either. You know?

Hi,
MY opinion is to just get a regular collar, he is too young for either the chocker or the prong. Keep him on lead have hot dogs in your hand, teaching him that it's a positive thing for him to be walked. If you continue to havehim on the choker then his drive will continously go down, and also confidence. I know this from personal exeriance. Always remember that he's just a baby and dosen't understand what you want from him yet. And always let him just be a puppy, and enjoy those puppy days as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Angela

8 weeks is too young for a choker or a pinch collar... you are going to ruin your pup before he has a chance to develop. Keep your training (and that's what even walking on a lash is at that age) positive through praise, patience, and food at this point. Your pup needs to be socialized to the world now, not exposed to leash corrections. You probably have a high drive pup..... they act this way... it's normal.

Thanks guys...will go back to the regular nylon collar. He's just so damned dramatic though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> It's a sight to see but we'll be alright. Thanks again.

No dog should be introduced to a choke or prong until it is at LEAST 16 weeks old. My personal oppinion is that even then its way too soon because thats what the teething process begins and their tonsils swell up. I was in court about this very thing only a year ago. A "pro" trainer managed to actually kill a 4 month old puppy with a choke chain. This may be hard to believe but I train hard as nails working Giant Schnauzers on flat 'baby' collars until they are almost 8 months old. Eight weeks old is a BABY and you should ONLY use reward in all that you do. Get some hot-dogs in your hand while you walk him and you will see him totally change attitude. "Baby" him with treats and kisses until he is 4-5 months old and then very gradually begin to correct him. Rotties begin to teethe at 4 months old so don't pressure him to learn much until that's done (almost 2 months later). Always point him to a disireable behavior after a correction so you can praise. Praise is the key at any age but at 8 weeks to 16 weeks that is ALL your little monster should be getting. If you want him to be really brave socialise him to as many people/animals, sounds and places as you can, starting NOW. Welcome to the club of Working Monst.... ooops! I meant Dogs! Working DOGS! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys...that hot dog idea does wonders...especially considering I had to use it to coax him out in the rain this evening to go potty. This knucklehead refused to potty on the wet grass! Those little hand held "poop boxes" are a god send. Even though he did it on the concrete and I had to clean it up, he was still proud of himself and looked at me as to say, "where is that stuff I saw you take outta your pocket mom?" This is going to be an interesting ride. Glad I have you guys to bounce things off of. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />