Thoughts on training starting from day 1 (well maybe day 21)? - Page 1

We (I) am preparing for my first litter.   I am a firm beliver of "they are sponges, make it fun and train it all."

I would like to here your thoughts on my general "plan."

1. potty training starts the day they start eating solid foods.
               Show and reinforce and praise a single clearly defined area in the whelping room for potty.
               Start bell training every time we go outside to "potty".  My female did wonderful at this.  She now rings a bell everytime she needs to go outside.
               Show and reinforce and praise a single clearly defined area  outside for potty.
               Split potty time and play time (just learned today).

2. Crate training starts as soon as they really start moving around.  "crate is a place for sleep and security"

3.  "Sit" command starting at 6 weeks - lots of praise; no correction, only reward for the correct behavior on command.

4.  "No" / "look" - start as soon as they really start moving around.  Firm, but not loud command when there is un-wanted behavior.  Reward when puppy's attention is returned to me.


Is there any recommended treat rewards for starting at 3 weeks/ start eatting solids?  I was thinking the food itself is good and maybe a finger dab of peanut butter starting a 6 weeks.  I am not sure if peanut butter is good for a puppy though....

Sorry but you really do need to get out more and start living!

Lol..that is what my husband said...along with "please God, do not let her keep them all."

Glad to see that there are people out there that are trying to stimulate their pups from a young age. But please do listen to your husband, do not want to keep them all lol! Good luck, it's hard work but well worth it in the end.

Yes, I have seen the world of difference from both sides. 

Downside
I have a male German Shepard that was given to my husband as a present.  I respected my husband's wishes and let him work with the dog.  Well, needless to say, at the age of 2, I had a 90 lb unruly, undisplended, unneutered dog. 

I put my foot down.  Baron got neutered and trained.  He is still a bit unruly, but I have control.  Still not to a point where I take him in public much.  I just can't be 100% certain that if he gets protective I can get control.  I just do not take the chance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upside
I have my angel (female GS).  I started training her from the minute I put her in my car when I picked her up (8 weeks).

Results:
She can go every where with me.  I am even able to take her into a restraunent (when she has her service harnes on).  She is in that 2 - 3 year old stage where everything is questioned, but she is figuring out that I still mean it. 

9 times out of 10 you would not know she is there.  Polite, lol, she even lays down with her legs crossed (did not teach her that though).

" She even lays down with her legs crossed "  practicing for when you take her to a stud

If you keep puppies clean and give them enough room, they potty train themselves. Introducing to a crate is a good idea. Feeding individually, put them in crate. Cleaning whelping area, put them in crate. Best to always crate when tired, and only briefly at first, so they don't develop bad habits. By 8 weeks, you will probably be ready for them to go:).

Now that puppies are here I'd also say once they can see they can start to be trained to sit, just bring a piece of food above their head say sit and when their little wriggly butt hits the ground reward. Also when they get time in a pen or outside make it as fun and diverse for them as possible, put a lot of things that make noise, kids toys (like big bears or whatever), tarps, sheets, thinks that flap, things that move. Will start them off used to different things.

Great ideas all.  Thank you so much.