RaafGSD Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hi Just wanting some great "exercises/methods" that are suitable for a now 8 week old pup that will help to create a solid foundation for later Obedience and Agility trialling. IS there any thing "extra" that needs to be done at this age other than the "normal" training eg general manners, sit, come, etc etc... Despite having dogs all my life, I will be new to Obedience etc so would love some little bits of advice! Thanks in advance!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Probably the most important things are: Socialisation Play - see if you can get the dog interested in toys and games - tugs, balls, fetch etc. These become great motivators and rewards in later training, but the dog has to see them as rewarding first! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Lots of getting the focus on you. Teaching the pup that you are the best thing in life. Never letting the pup pull on the lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lablover Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 (edited) Be consistent - hopefully consistently good. Try not to give commands you cannot re enforce. Some pups think their names are NO! Generalise commands or cues. Do not rehearse unwanted behaviour. Without focus you have nothing - train on flat areas of course. Train yourself in a mirror without the pup/dog. Do not speak sentences. Dogs are expert body readers. Pups are like little sponges... but short successful training sessions are best. Learn pups quit time, so in the next training session, you can stop before pup tires. Keep him safe from becoming frightened. Trust what you see when observing your dog If in doubt while training, stop .... have a little drink or chocolate, while contemplating your next best course of action. Make training FUN or game like. What else - Ummmmm lots. Edited July 28, 2009 by Lablover Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seita Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I like starting pups on fetch - especially with different materials (leather, wood, metal, cloth, plastic etc) walking on a lead giving you attention games like find the toy/treat recalls getting pup out and about to see the world, lots of new and strange places and noises (once old enough or in a safe manner like the car or in your arms until fully vaccinated) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Socialisation, lots of it! If you want a training plan this is excellent for a future obedience or agility competitor: http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/%20Dog1/levels.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaafGSD Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your helps! My new pup came home on Saturday (gorgeous little man he is too ;) ) and while I will be new to trialling, I am soooo excited to be doing it, and very eager to do all the right groundwork and learn as much as possible while he is young. FUNdamentals :D is very important!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaafGSD Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 Socialisation, lots of it!If you want a training plan this is excellent for a future obedience or agility competitor: http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/%20Dog1/levels.html Thanks for that link Aidan... just had a quick look through and it looks VERY interesting!! (Some good reading coming up ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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