When to start Training? - Page 1

He-ya everyone,

I'm new to this messageboard and I had a few questions regarding training.

What's a good time to start working the puppy? at what age would be appropriate to start it? I am new to this and I do not want to put a lot of stress on the puppy at a young age. Also, how do you start training and preparing a puppy? Any help or information would be appreciated. If anyone knows a web-site or articles please feel free to post it so I can read more about it.

One more thing when getting the puppy at 8 weeks old. How do you start with him getting familiar with other dogs and people and also expose him to different sounds, and strange places?! Do I start right away or do I wait a little bit? I do not want to scare the puppy or expose him to early and mess up his nerves and how long do I let him be pet? and how should I let him play with other dogs? Thank you for the help, it is appreciated!!

Oops, sorry about posting it in the other forum, not sure how that happened!

I guess I'm in the wrong messageboard, nobody seems to know any information unless they don't want to share it.

Dinamo,
       What kind of puppy do you have? What do you want to do with your puppy?
Always,
Cee

I will be getting a czech german shepherd puppy in a few weeks when it turns 8 weeks old.

I'm thinking of doing schutzhund with him and other trials, if possible.

That is why I need to know how to start it off right and prepare him but I don't want to do it early and put stress on him.

I'm trying to figure out how to prepare him and when do I start training him?

Also, with him socializing with other people and other pets, and letting him be around different sounds and strange places? When would I start that around what age?

Like I said I don't want to stress him or do it too early and put a lot on him at such young age.

Any help would be appreciated and welcomed!

Get with your vet early  to make sure you have all your vaccinations on board and ask them when it would be could to introduce to other dogs. Have you checked our the Schutzhund clubs, trainers in your area? That would be a start there, they will be able to guide you also. I socialize with alot of different people, went to OB puppy classes after all of her shots and also started up with my Schutzhund club when she was young.  I hope this helps.
Always,
Cee

In my opinion:

Every thing you do from the point your hands touch the puppy is training, molding behavours setting parameiters every thing you do with the pup it effects it,s behavour this puppy is a dry spounge and you are the moisture. Everything must be a positive and no pressure in all honesty thats why i like raising puppies from the day they breath air you learn SOOO much from puppies. I honestly believe if a trainer hasent taken a puppy from 8 weeks or sooner to titles them selfs there not honestly experienced as they claim to be.

 
   

I would take the pup everywhere except for dog parks etc.  Like sombody said, find a club in your area and socialize yourself and the pup.  You can't screw up a dogs nerves by socializing it. 

Leerburg has some good DVD's on puppy work.  Check out his website before you get your pup.  I also agree with his definition of socialization.  Worth a look anyway. 

All the best!


http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

Many good points,
Start as soon as you get your puppy.
Do not go around other animals until the pup has had all its shots.  
Try to keep early socialization in the family and close to home, at least at first and take your time.
Make it fun.
Later, four to six months you can get much more serious about structured training.
There is so much you can do with your puppy right away with positive reinforcement and treats.

Moons.