People often ask me when the best time is to start training a young dog. In general I don’t try to train a puppy seriously under six months of age. However management of these early days is very important, although at this stage it’s more like structured play than formal training.
Training is the linking of sounds and actions from us to action and behaviours from the puppy. Any interaction with our dogs can therefore be called ‘training’. I can help you to keep it lighthearted and fun for puppy and yet include things that shape the future. No stairs and long walks every day on those baby joints and limbs. Do get them out and about to socialise.
Use puppy days to learn about the character of your pup and develop trust and affection for you, as well as respect. Your puppy will grow into challenging or testing your boundaries. This is perfectly normal. What I refer to as ‘the teenage months’. I can help with hooligans,thugs and disappearing dogs.
Get in touch if this is your first puppy, working or pet, and you want to make a good start in your pups training. Things I can help you with:
- Failure to listen to commands
- Hooligans
- Thugs
- Disappearing
FAQ’s
What age should I start training?
Puppies have a very short attention span. Training proper should not start too early. The smaller breeds mature quicker. About 6 months as a general rule.
Do you only train Gundogs?
No. Any Gundog needs to learn basic obedience skills first. These are not breed specific. I have experience of training most breeds.
Should I take my young dog on a lead to a shoot to see what he needs to do?
No. He/She will link the excitement of the occasion with gamescent and gunfire and remember. This will make things harder for you when you need a calm obedient trained dog in that same environment later on.
Do you use food treats?
Sometimes to get a specific idea to a dog. I would praise as well, with a view to reducing food treats. Beware of using food to encourage a potential Gundog to tetrieve. It will most likely learn to drop the retrieve to get the food.
Do you do home visits?
Yes. Please contact me for further information.