The Most Important Things To Teach While Waiting For The Puppy Class To Start

[Julie and Maggie]

Maggie is 9 weeks and her puppy class won't start until 12 weeks. I want to gather a list of things people think are things to work on during that first month until you get to the class that will go through the basics. 

 

For example, I've realized I can't wait until the class to teach her "sit". That is because not only do I eventually want her to sit before anything and everything, but I am needing her to follow that when she starts getting revved up and starts jumping at my knees and mouthing on my clothes. At first I was just doing all versions of "NO!" but I find it helpful to give her something I want her to do also so when she does it I can reward her. If I waited until the instructor at puppy class taught me how to teach her "sit" we would be in trouble. 

 

Also, when you tell me what is important, if you wouldn't mind explaining actually HOW you teach it. Like with sitting, it would help us newbies immensely if instead of saying "teach her to sit", give me an idea if you lure her head back with a treat so she sits, or give her bottom a little push, etc... 

 

I'm hoping someone out there believes that some version of "come" should be done because Maggie has developed her own game of keep away when I want her to come in from being outside. Thankfully we are only talking about less than 15 feet of lawn space but I look like a fool trying to catch her.

 

And if there is an old discussion and you don't want to repeat yourself, I'd love to get a link to it. 

 

:)

[Bonnie and Kona]

What book and DVD did you get? My Smart Puppy?

[Erika & Perry]

I love this thread.  Thank you. It didn't even occur to me that I could be teaching beyond what we're told in puppy class.

 

Question though-  What are you all using for training treats?

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

We use freeze dried liver as the "high value" treat (for learning new things and doing things when there are high distractions).  As our trainer said it's "fifty bucks".  Any soft, very smelly treat is good for this, but freeze dried liver is relatively healthy.

 

Freeze dried chicken/chicken jerky is our "medium value" treat for things she already knows and for most day to day training. 

 

For both of these, you want to make sure they are of high quality, since some people (check the food group) have had trouble with these in the past.

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

Great discussion! I have been wondering the same thing too and found this very helpful. I also picked up the book 'My Smart Puppy' (thanks for the reco) and have been working on Level 1. Cooper does well with sit and lay down and now I just need t to start working on LEAVE IT (because he wants to pick-up everything.... ) and come. Thanks for all the tips. Can't wait to get this little guy signed up for classes!

[Elizabeth & Cooper]

Hey all! I need some help. First of all - this is a great list and helped to answer some of my questions. Cooper is 10 weeks now and my puppy classes won't start for another month. I'm thinking that this may be too late and am curious to hear what others think. He's learning commands really well but my main issue with him is jumping up and nipping. The nipping actually escalated today to the point where he drew blood. It was actually horrifying. It was my Starbucks regular friend who often watches Cooper when I go to get my coffee and, in all fairness to Cooper, he was acting a bit inappropriate. He had gotten him all hyper and in play mode and then decided to go in for 'kisses'. Cooper jumped up and didn't bite or have a vicious mouth but had an open/play mouth so his tooth grazed skin. I felt sick to my stomach and instantly had visions of having some terrible dog that mauls people (sorry... I'm a bit neurotic at times and that's how my mind works!). This got me wondering two things?

 

- do I need to bring a trainer in and do a couple 1:1 sessions prior to puppy classes?

- am I not taking this seriously enough/being strict enough?

 

The reason I'm considering the 1:1 sessions is that a) I'm not sure that all of the stuff I need to address will get address in puppy kindergarten (I've been told it's mostly about simple commands, leash waking and socialization) and I also like the idea of someone critiquing how I interact with him and giving me pointers. I know some good links and resources have been provided in this thread but if anyone else has any favourites as far as how they tackled the human skin/jumping up demons, I'd love to know. Oh, and just like puppies, sometimes I need tough love so please don't feel like you have to sugar coat things ;).

 

Elizabeth

 

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

I am right there with you Elizabeth. My arms look like I have attempted to shoot up but not very good at it.