have some qustions

    • Gold Top Dog

    have some qustions

    so  i have some qustions
    1.what age do i start training for agilty
    2.when do i start with the  normal sit stay kinda things
    3.whats a good way to   bond my dogs
     
    • Puppy
    Hello you lover of puppies :)

    Let me try to succinctly answer your inquiries:

    1. Formal agility is normally taught past 1 year of age, but one can easily start preagility stuff at any age. Normally you should give the dog a sound basic training (ie all the obedience stuff) and a thorough socialization (the by far most important thing in puppyhood!!), and then you can move on to teach the dogs directions, introduce it to small versions of some obstacles and so forth.

    2. With the "normal" things you start the day you get the puppy. :) Well, of course you give the little critter a few days to settle in, but there is nothing wrong to playfully introduce some commands early on. After a week or so you can safely do 2 or 3 brief training sessions per day, practicing sits and stays and come and so on. Make sure to NEVER EVER get angry with the pup. He gets treats for doing things right, and nothing or simply you ignoring him briefly for doing things wrong. Get a good introductory training book that teaches you some background on learning theory but also about how to teach some basic items (for instance Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash').

    3. Bonding - I think it is outstanding that you ask how to bond with your dog, as this is often overlooked in its importance. There are several things you can do: make sure you feed your pup 3 times a day, and you can sometimes feed the entire meal by hand. Training - if it is a positive experience - will also help in bonding. Being a 'benevolent leader' (see for instance: How to be the leader of the pack by Patricia McConnell), and lots of fun play activities (ie ball play, tug-of-war, hide and seek, etc) all contribute equally.

    I hope this helps. If you have any more detailed questions, feel free to ask. Otherwise, lots of fun with your pup! [:)]
    • Gold Top Dog
    and the pup is going to be a kind of outside dog  how do i  start with  her knowing that she is  going to be out side and still potty train her for when she is inside
    • Gold Top Dog
    and the pup is going to be a kind of outside dog  how do i  start with  her knowing that she is  going to be out side and still potty train her for when she is inside
     
    Well, that shoots the bonding all to heck.  Dogs are pack animals, they are very social.  You are now this babies PACK.  Why have a dog if you're going to make it live outside?
    • Gold Top Dog
    she is not going to live out side but she will spend some time out side
    • Gold Top Dog
    My apologies if I misunderstood.

    My dogs have full access to the backyard, via the doggie door, when I am home to keep an eye on them.  I have from the earliest days asked them to "go outside and go potty" and really praised "good potty".  If you train her to go outside and go potty, it should never be an issue when she IS inside.
    • Gold Top Dog
    How much time will she spend outside? Will the pup be alone? Just curious.[:)]
    • Gold Top Dog
    she will spend maybe 4 hrs a day  depending on the weather and no she will not be alone all my dogs are going to start going out side for  some time
    • Gold Top Dog
    Will this be when no one is home?  That can be VERY dangerous for all of the dogs
    • Gold Top Dog
    no people will be home everyone is at this house at some time in the day