Puppy/Dog Training

[Mango]

I just got an 8 week old puppy through the Humane Society last Saturday.

I never had a dog before personally, we have always had cats, so this is all new for us. I have been reading books for the past year and some studying about breeds, etc. and frankly thought I was not a lab person, but this little guy stole my heart.

What techniques did you use? What books helped you the most? I realize that I am starting at a disadvantage, since my pup, Buddy, was probably taken at 6 weeks (he was carted from TN) and he has not had the socialization of his mother teaching him manners, but I was willing to take a mutt/ rescue. I grew up with one and he was a fantastic dog.

Right now, I am using the methods from "My Smart Puppy" by Brian Kilcommons and Sara Wilson. So far, I have been successful with some things. I got Buddy crate trained, sitting, and laying down. he sleeps through the night without crying. We have had some issues that concern us, but all in all, I think I am on the right track to a well rounded, obedient and nicely mannered dog. Tomorrow I bring Buddy for a meeting with a trainer for some more insight.

Tell me your experiences and what worked for you. I have been finding that everyone has a different opinion. :roll: But, I do like the methods from my Smart Puppy. I starting reading one of the books from the Dog Whisperer and got a headache.

 

[Em]

barbara woodhouse -- likely the best trainer ever. You will see results almost immediately. I found her videos at the public library when I lived elsewhere. She has several. Her methods aren't so much about training the dog as they are training the person who has the dog.

The videos are probably better to easily understand, compared to the books.

Look for videos of "Training Dogs t...s/I/51I6Vc25iCL.@@AMEPARAM@@51I6Vc25iCL[/ame]

 

[Mango]

Cool. Thanks, Murray. I prefer video since reading and looking at pictures in books doesn't always help you figure out how your hands or body should be positioned.

 

[bluemtnfriend]

What a cutie!! I bet he is going to be a good dog.

 

[bluemtnrunner]

Oh man, I see big trouble in this one's future and with a face like he will get away with it. Enjoy but be firm. Wait, don't take dog advice from me, my hounds completely walk all over me!!!

 

[Minnie]

I trained our lab using the book the Family Dog by Richard Wolters which was recommended by our vet who has had labs for years.

One of the biggest challenges with a lab is chewing, and luckily using this book we have survived without any damage to personal belongings.

I also took an obedience class with ours at 6 months and that really helped too.

Toys that have worked for us are nylabones and "Tuffy" toys. Every time she would try to chew something inappropriate we would give her a very firm no, and then offer her the toy or nylabone.

Do make sure you do not crate him when you are not around wearing a collar, they can become hung in the crate and choke.

As you said, everyone has a different way to train and you have to find what works best for you and the dog.

I also bought a Lab specifc book for information on the breed, Labs for Dummies was very helpful as was The Everything Labrador Retriever Book by Kim Thornton which has very basic training suggestions geared toward labs.

He is very cute and I am sure he is very glad to have been rescued.

 

[scooterbug44]

The biggest thing is consistency, combined with , and lots of exercise.
Everyone in the house has to make him follow the same rules/use the same commands and he has to learn the same rules as a puppy that he will follow all his life - like being in laps and on furniture.

Chewing was the only problem behavior with Scooterhound as a puppy, but a giant bone and crating when not home solves most of that. (just do not leave things near the crate that he can pull in and eat/chew up.)

They make a tennis ball thrower that is $10 or less called "Chuckit" that our dogs LOVE! I recommend the 26" original. It saves your arm and lets you really wing the ball for them. They actually bring it to us when they want to play!

Chuckit! Fetch Games

Such a precious puppy! That face!

 

[DD]

Mangy, I don't have a lot of great advice, but I can say that I just know that Buddy'll be your best friend and be the best dog ever. There will come a moment when all those annoying little behaviors will disappear and it'll be smooth sailing from then on. I did experience the loss of several pairs of shoes, garden hoses, etc., but it was all worth it in the end and most of that was MY fault. Best of luck...he's precious!!

 

[Mango]

Scooty, I will need to get that fetch it toy. Thanks. Labs love fetching and Buddy can't get enough of chasing the ball. he even brings it back so I can throw it again,... most times.

Minnie,yes I have a nylabone and he gnaws at that and tosses it around his crate. He hardly wears the collar in the crate. I am aware of the risks. I hear you have to be careful with the Nylabone too. I was told some dogs have gotten some stuck in their throat. It's rare, but if it gets too gnawed at and tired, I was told to take it away and get another.---just an FYI to anyone with a Nylabone. Thanks for the book tip.

I won't lie. There were a lot of ups and downs with a puppy for the first week and not knowing about the personality of the parents and what type of environment he came from, but everyday he acclimated better and better and he is quite comfy and calmed down quite a bit. I was a bit nervous I might have that dog Marley from the movie.
I was hooked up to a hotline with one of my BF's who has trained several professional herding dogs and worked with the top trainers in the Country. Buddy had hiccups and I thought he was having a seizure. There will be lots of yuck yucks on my behalf years from now.

Now, we are having funn playing training games and so is he. I had a horrid migraine today and I went to take him outside after his nap. I got dizzy and sat down outside his crate and he came over and sat in my lap and nuzzled me very calmly - (he was very frenetic at the beginning of the week, but calmed down a lot everyday) Strange how pets pick up on their people's feelings.

 

[Minnie]

Definitely on the Nylabone, if it becomes too warn or brittle, throw it out and get a new one. Also our lab loves the Kong toys that you can stuff things in, it makes them work for the treat.

Labs are definitely very senstive to people's feelings, which is why they make such great service dogs. It also makes them very trainable, for they love to please.

They do have a tendacy to gulp their food which can lead to burps and hiccups, our Vet recommended a raised feeding bowl. Also changing ours to a holistic brand dog food really help with indigestion.

We have one like this which I was able to get at Walgreens for much less. I like it because it folds up for traveling.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+15+16680&pcatid=16680

Sounds like you are already on the right track and having a friend for support will be priceless.

I also use my furminator brush alot and it helps with shedding.

I use this site for bedding, I have the bolster bed for our crate which our dog loves as it gives it a place to lay its head and snuggle into which made her calm.

This site has the best prices I have found and very quick delivery.

http://www.forhappydogs.com/c-3-beds.aspx