How Old Should A Puppy Be When You Start Training It?

[gritsar]

Red, we started training from day one of the boys new life with us. For Jax, that was at 13 weeks. For Kane, 8 weeks. With Kane it was much easier since the breeder had already started on training him.

 

[Louieandthecrew]

Right when you get him you should begin training him/her in a very suttle way. Sometimes they may not even know that they are learning! Also, while potty training the little one just pet him/her every time it goes in the right place, whereas if he/she doesn't do as told and goes somewhere that she/he shouldn't go, point at it and say 'No', or they will get into a habit. You never want to slap them until they actually understand what is good and bad. If your puppy comes home and goes potty on the sofa leg, you can't just walk up to it and smack it, because it has no idea what it did wrong. But, if you pick it up and say 'No' and then set it down where the right place to go potty is, it will soon catch on.
If you're talking about teaching tricks, like sit, stay, lie down, etc. I think that starting as soon as possable is the best. If you don't know exactly how to teach your dog tricks (which I'm sure you probably do) it's very simple, and I'd be glad to show whoever would like to know the best way

 

[redhen]

Thanks for the advice! I'll check out those links you posted too..
I actually already have a clicker...but i've always been afraid to use it because i know how important it is to click at the exact right time or you can mess up the training.
I'll watch the videos tonight... maybe they will give me the confidence to try it again!
Thanks!

Glad to hear both boxers and standard poodles are smart! Just hope he's not smarter than me...

 

[Garden Gal]

Quote:
The good think about marker / clicker training is that the worse thing that can happen is you "mark" a moment you didn't need to - nothing horrible or punishing for the dog! That is what makes it so wonderful. He might be confused for a moment when you mark it correctly next time, but no harm done.

Michael Ellis has some awesome dvds on The Power of Training with Food and The Power of Marker Training... he is awesome.

I prefer to use my voice as the "Clicker" - I say "YES!". I went this route just because I don't always have a clicker on me but I always have my big mouth. There are clickers which are a "softer" tone vs the louder metal type, and I would recommend the newer types.

Do not be afraid of marker training; compared to the old ways of pushing down, pulling up, scolding, etc... you can't "mess up" the bond with you and your dog.

ETA: discussion on Potty Training...

I use the old fashioned method of a rolled up newspaper for house breaking. When my pup went in the wrong spot, I rolled up the newspaper and smacked myself several times upside the head for not having kept my eye on the baby...

Honestly, try to set your dog up for success and only praise him for going outside. If he DOES have a mistake inside - it really is YOUR fault - not his. I set the alarm for every 3 hours and quietly take them outside - no play, no fanfare, just quietly set him down outside and encourage him to "go potty, go potty" or what ever you prefer to say. When the big moment happens, quietly praise and put back in his crate. During the daytime, we have a party when he goes outside - healthy treats and much excitement. Pups need to go out first thing when waking, shortly after eating and playtime, and when brought out of the crate. If you are diligent, you will only be praising for him doing it right. If there is an accident - smack yourself - don't scold the pup. (He doesn't have a thumb and can't open the door by himself.)