Members' Best Pup Training Tips

[groundhog]

Some great advice from everyone. I like to start off using a bird wing in a clean sock. I play with the pup with the sock until the pup is very interested. I then take the pup to a long hallway and throw the sock to the far end and say fetch or whatever command you want to use. The pup will go get it and it has no where to go but straight back to you. Praise and pet the pup.  Tell the pup to sit (push on its butt) and throw the sock again. Eventually work the "stay" command in and hold the pup by its collar for a few seconds before releasing and saying "fetch". It won't be long before your pup will be fetching, sitting and staying on command. Do this no more than 15 minutes per session. Pretty basic stuff but it works very well.

[tlbradford]

Jeff100 hit it righ ton the head.

This method worked well for Hemi and will use it oon my next pup.

+1 and don't forget to toss one of your t-shirts in there with your scent on it.  It helps calm the dog and gets them used to you in a hurry.

[Wayne1]

Never teach then give a comand you can't enforce if needed

[rainshadow1]

"Don't let anyone BS you into the wussy attitude that uncompromising discipline is too tough on the poor doggie. Quite the opposite, Sadie will love you for it, and she'll be a razor to handle and love every minute of it!"

Rainshadow....would you come give parenting classes at my school?
There are a lot of parents who need to hear that message.

When my 2 yr old is acting out I'm pretty strict, and I always tell my wife "My kids had better obey at least as well as the dog". 

Dave

I do use that principle with my kids! Mine are 3 and 5 and it's working well! They DO love me for it. I say "Yes" as much as I possibly, possibly can, so my "No" means something!  I'm also careful about too many rules, so the truly important ones leave a wrinkle on their brains! Then they obey, period. No matter how much of a hassle it is for me. Dog training was a good primer for kids, but when they start thoughtfully negotiating, then you've reached a whole new level!

[Intruder]

1.  Lots of short fun sessions... daily.  You can't make up for missing 2 weeks of 10-15 minute sessions by going 2 hours. 

2. Start with the basics... name, come, sit/stay.  You need to have control of the dog before you do more advanced stuff.

3. 90+ % is positive reenforcement (voice/tone, praise, snacks).  The negative reenforcement needs to be very measured.  Again your voice/tone are key.  Body language, general dominance is often all that is required. A firm grab by the scruff can be just as effective as a smack.  Not saying never smack em just make sure as you get firmer and firmer that the dog really knows why he's being corrected.

4.  If you get frustrated, end the session.  But try to do something easy so the dog can end on a good (+) note. 

[rosscrazyelk]

I find that playing with the dog and get him tired then work with him for 15 min. they seem to listen better that way.