starting out right with a puppy

[Lucy & Ellie]

Hi, 

We are getting a goldendoodle in a few weeks and I have some questions. I'm not sure if I should ask here or on the puppy board... but I'm trying here first.

Two years ago we got a labradoodle (Lucy) but she sadly died after eating a sock. She was just over  a year old.

We had JUST started e collar training with her (with a trainer) and were starting to see a little improvement. We only had one lesson before she died though so we didn't get too far.

We want to start out right with this pup. Like I said, Lucy was a maniac. She was particularly jumpy and nippy. I know that this is normal puppy stuff but I want to have a plan in place as to how to train him. 

At first I thought we would start using the e collar to discourage bad behaviors like biting.  It made sense to me that if he gets an uncomfortable buzz from the get-go, he'll stop.  But in all my research, I am reading that you should not start e collars until 5-6 months. And even then, it seems that everyone suggests starting using it for training recall first.

So are e collars not used for deterring negative behaviors? 

And even if they aren't, I guess they're used for recall, a quick sit, and other things... but we'll be working on things like sit, etc, before 5-6 months! So then are e collars just to get quicker obedience? 

Just trying to understand. And I also do realize that we may not even need an e collar with this pup. Lucy was just particularly out of hand. This dog could be completely different.

Another thing I hope that we see with this pup is that he really loves our kids they are 10 years old). We have a maltese who loves ME. She tolerates the kids just fine but she prefers me. Lucy was still young so I'm wondering if the love of the kids comes with time or what. Is there something we can do to foster it?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

The most important thing IMO with a puppy is building a strong bond.  They need to trust you before you can really teach them appropriate behaviors. I really think using an e-collar or any harsh punishment with a puppy does nothing to help with this.  Because there aren't a lot of breeders doing much early training or socializing, the puppy comes to you with all kinds of undisciplined energy....they have no idea what you want from them.  They are used to playing and rough housing with their litter mates, aren't sure where they should potty, love to use their teeth on just about anything because it feels good.  It's up to you to teach them how to behave in a way that makes them know that you are their leader and can be trusted.   The Doggy Dan online training program is excellent, and it offers specific information about teaching your new puppy from the beginning.  There are several discussions here on Doodle Kisses about this program.  I also think that it's important to realize that you are going to have to create an environment where your puppy is most likely to succeed....that means exercise, discipline, leadership and of course lots of love.  I guess what I'm saying is that I don't think there are any "quick fixes" to developing a dog who is obedient...it takes lots of work and consistency.  Best of luck with your new puppy.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's a link to one of the discussions.  Take a look at the website.  I really think you'll find it helpful.  http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/doggy-dan-dog-training-web...

[Anita Ranade]

I'm glad, I got a new golden doodle puppy, this is my first puppy so never had any experience. She is 4 months old. So far only problem is jumping on people, and leash training. Hopefully we will do better.

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Want a well behaved dog?    3 rules = consistency, consistency, consistency.  If you never allow them to develop a bad habit you won't have to spend years correcting them.  Sounds easy doesn't it.... well think how cute it is when the puppy jumps up to greet you when he/she only weights several pounds then when he/she is full size in 7 to 12 months it's NOT so cute when the pup knocks a little person (toddler or senior) down.  Think how fun it is to give a treat from your plate when they are such a cute puppy...now you'll have a food beggar forever.  

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Well put!

[Anita Ranade]

Can you suggest how to stop jumping? My puppy is 4 months old and jumping on people. I'm trying hard, always pull her from her collar and tell her ah ah but still no improvement. In my house if she jumps we stand like a tree and when she sits we gave her a treat. But as soon as she sees people she will start jumping.
If you no any trick it will help me.

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

We have (and still do sometimes) this problem with yeti. He is still very much a puppy (10 months old). We put him through CGC class and this was a major problem for him unfortunately. We failed the first time because he was like a Mexican jumping bean, but we went back for a couple more classes and our trainers really helped work with us on it. It was kind of a hassle but we would leash him every time someone would come over and we would have them pay no attention to him unless he was sitting ( often times we had to hold the leash very close to his collar so he had absolutely no room to jump). When he was sitting we treated him and treated him and treated him. After he was sitting for a couple of seconds we would have them reach down with their hand so he could sniff and if he didn't get crazy they were allowed to pet him. If he did get crazy the whole process started over. If you had he was jumping we would have people stand tall with her arms crossed and sometimes turn their back to him so he would realize what he was doing was wrong. It was a lot of work but we definitely saw a lot of improvement after a couple of weeks. Four months old is still pretty young but I would definitely keep at it with her! She will get it eventually!!

[Lucy & Ellie]

So how is Doggy Dan different from any of the many free videos on YouTube?

I see that lots of people here love him, so I'm sure not doubting that he must be great, but I'm just curious!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Lucy, DD methods actually work, they're easy to understand and put into place, are positive/empathic to your pup, and help you start to understand their behavior... You don't MAKE your dog behave - instead, while you're bonding, you teach him what you want by understanding his language more - through signals and body language and behavior. Dogs pretty much live in a world of "this-then that" but DD explains the how-to very well. He has a million vids on whatever you want to know, and a forum with which to ask questions. It's cheaper than a real trainer and I felt very worth a few months' fee to get us on board. I learned a LOT - and I was a psych major undergrad! ;) I actually wished I knew this stuff before having kids. Geez, he really should start paying me!

[Lucy & Ellie]

That sounds PERFECT!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, I agree.  I love his approach because I think it is truly balanced and gets the puppy off to the right start.  I didn't have a puppy when the program was first introduced here, but I signed up and went through the program...mostly because I love learning about training.  I picked up tips even which I still use.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Hi Lucy - glad to hear you are getting another puppy.  Everyone has given you good advice.  What I would add is that you are training your children (great ages0 and your husband ( I had to do that too!) how to behave around dogs/puppies.  It is a lot of work, a really lot of work, but also so much fun and joy for you and your family.

Puppies should always always be within your zone - eye contact possible and hearing possible.  I liked to tether my puppies to me when I was busy. Supervision, supervision, supervision - just like with your children when they were young.  If you put the time in now you will have a wonderful pet later. 

Have acceptable toys within reach always. 

Rough housing was acceptable in my house with my son and husband if supervised by me.  No mouth contact to skin or clothing is ever acceptable and son (husband) and dog earned time out!

Keep puppy tired - fetch, play dates, and mind work meaning new tricks, find the treat or toy.

Use puppy's crate - it is his safe place and gives you a rest and yes it is okay to give yourself a rest by putting the puppy in the crate.