Do's and Don'ts in raising a working/Sch puppy? - Page 1

Hi all,

Not sure if there is a topic regarding this, but I'm interested in knowing all of your specific do's and don'ts in raising a working/sch pup. This is bitework specific.

I've heard so many things regarding how to raise these puppies... sort of let them do whatever they want for a few months aside from teaching them general manners (letting them nip you as much as they want, etc)... don't let them socialize too much with other animals... the amount in which you do ragwork with them at home...

I have certain things I make sure to do and things I avoid when raising puppies, but would love to hear some other input! Thanks :)
 

Never feed them after midnight. Find good people to train with and all your questions will be answered.

minro,
Not sure what all you've heard, most of what you said you heard I disagree with.
There are many threads if you search for them, and just as many opinions.

I think you can socialize and teach basics from the get go with a puppy, and not harm drive or confidence if the pup is worthy in the first place.
Waiting for some magic moment, especially months is a mistake in my opinion, so is letting one just run wild.



Moons.

I would be working the puppy on building drive for a (specific) toy and getting other people to play with her in addition to playing with me (I live alone so her only human play mate is me and she has another dog to play with and the cats).  I do let a young puppy win tug a lot.  I get them coming up for the tug (within reason). 

I do not allow biting and rough taking of food in training.  There are those who allow it saying it helps with their bite work later on.  BS.   That is not teaching a puppy anything except it is OK to have bad manners. 

The first year of a puppy's life I don't use any aversive training techniques.  I do get to puppy classes and take the puppy everywhere with me so new things and new situations and new people of all kinds (kids, tall people, short people, peoiple with hats and so forth).  I also get them on different surfaces and slopes and in water as I don't want anything to bother them.  I want the dog to be confident.

I am not the most experienced poster, just saying what I would do (some of it I wish I had done a bit differently).  I agree with finding a good group or club to help you move it along and a really good helper.. the helper is KEY. 

I will also say that from my observations if a puppy "has it" they will show it very early on in their activity levels and desire to engage.