A question I am so often asked is when should I start to train my pup? Training with its handler starts the day your pup is placed into the home/work usually between six and eight weeks.
Pups are eager to be with the handlers. Combined with a pups intelligence and courage the training should be built on a relationship of mutual respect and trust. This is the most important aspect of the pups training.
The training is on going. In the home, outdoors and in the vehicle. Whenever you are with the pups you should be encouraging good behaviour and correcting bad behaviour.
If the pup is not being taught useful information he is picking up useless information.
Be consistent in your use of verbal commands and your directions. Remember that habits which are cute when the pup is little are not so cute when the pup has grown. If a pup is allowed to jump up on you or the furniture it will do be harder to correct this behaviour when he is older. A good rule of thumb is to not permit behaviour that you would not like to see in your adult dog.
Train the pup firmly but fairly. Pups will work out of love for you far better than out of fear of you.
Do not work the pup so long that it gets too tired.
Reward the pup with praise when he obeys you.
Do not overdo the praise.
A simple "good sit," or a "good wait," is enough and always finish the training exercise on a positive note.
Avoid carrying your pup when at all possible. Rather, let them climb stairs, walk over, under and around objects. While they cannot scale A-frames, yet, they should be familiarized with the tubes, tunnels etc. on an agility course. This helps the pup in the building of his confidence and self-reliability.
Whenever a training practice has not gone well consider that it may not have been the fault of the pup.
A well-trained pup is a confident and stable pup.
Mike McConnery 03/28/02
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