Question:

Bear is 8 and a half weeks now, should I start training her now? And when can I start using the nothing in life is free program with her so I can stay alpha?

Answer:



We started training Archie as soon as he got home

First teach Bear her name, walk or sit quietly behind her and say her name in a high pitched voice, the second she looks at you praise and reward.

You can also teach sit, hold a small treat in your hand let her sniff it and slowly raise it above her head (not too high or she wil jump) and move it backwards slightly... she should automatically sit, and the second she does,say 'sit', give her the treat and lots of praise.

Remember she is only a baby so her concetration span will not be longer than a couple of minutes. Always set her up to succeed so she will enjoy training, and always finish off the training on a good note, something she can do and lots of praise, then a fun rowdy game

Not sure about when it's recommended to start using NILIF but I suppose you could as soon as she knows the sit command... just remember not to expect too much of her as she's only tiny

Answer:



Forgot to say it's also useful to teach 'look' or 'watch me'

This command basically means make eye contact and hold it until released... it's really useful for distracting them when they are about to do something naughty, or just for catching their attention at the start of a training session

Answer:



This Dogweb article should help answer your question:


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There are so many different opinions on how to train dogs, that sometimes I just get confused. I've read 5 books on dogs, read loads and loads of websites, yet I still don't know what to do at times.

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The best thing to do is to enrol in a good training class. You will be given all the guidance and help you need The important thing in training is to pick one method and stick to it.

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Yeah, I'm trying to stick to one method. I don't wanna confuse her.

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We started 'training' Bodhi as soon as she was home. Nothing mad - just her name, come, sit. I was a bit squawky in the beginning - getting her attention with her name!! But once she realises you are talking to her, and she gets a reward for listening/coming, it is easy.

She learnt sit pretty quickly too - but she wouldn't do the 'treat over head' method - she would just turn around, or walk backwards!! I think, in the end, I praised her when she sat voluntarily, and said sit while she was perfoming the action. She soon cottoned on to it, and began to sit on command.

I think, just try with what you feel comfortable, and if it doesn't work, adapt it for Bear.

And as Tuti and Shadowboxer said - she is only a baby, so don't expect miracles

I think another point is - make it fun, play with her afterwards - with her fav toy or something - so she associates 'training' with fun Kind of a wind-down time..

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Good luck with the training, it's best to start right away but I agree with shadowboxer, best to enrole her in a good training class, especially if this is your first dog, they will give you lots of advice and help on her training and the socialisation will be excellent for Bear! xx

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Another good reason to start training is that you meet people in the same sleepless and frustrated situation as you - so you don't feel so alone... also when you start training classes you will see by comparing your dogs to others that the work you have been putting in does pay off!