Training Questions - New Goldendoodle Pup

[SGF]

Hi All,

 

This group and site have been a wonderful resource for us. Couple of quick training questions as we're bringing home a new Goldendoodle pup this weekend:

 

- We have a large crate with a divider - how much room in the crate is recommended for an 8 week old pup (~8-10lbs)?

 

- My husband and I both work during the day, so our plan is to set a routine where we are home to let the pup go out early/late morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, and so on (I work close to home so we're going to try and be there to let out every 3 hours). That sound reasonable?

 

-  In terms of training, are there some detailed resources out there for how to train your pup on the basics like sit, heel, etc? I see a lot of forums where folks say they use treats and praise but I haven't found a detailed "how-to" anywhere - any suggestions? We're first time puppy owners so we want to be sure that we are teaching her the right way.

 

- Finally, any insight on whether it's best to leave water in the crate or only when we let her out to eat? Any recommendation on whether to feed her in the crate or elsewhere?

 

Thanks for the continued help!

[Adina P]

A lot of these questions are covered in the Puppy Madness group: recommendations for training books, how often to let puppy out, etc

- The crate should only be large enough for pup to stand up and turn around and lie down--pup should not be able to poop in one end and lie in another end.

-every 3 hrs might be fine to let pup out

- LOTS of different training methods out there...I'd get a book on puppy training. Visit your local library or book store and browse your options and pick one that sounds helpful to you. My personal opinion (and where I differ greatly with others) is that it is far less important to teach commands and far more important to worry about habits: NOT jumping on people, NOT mouthing/nipping people, chewing only appropriate chew toys, house training, accepting confinement, and accepting handling of their body all over. Those things are far more critical than knowing what the word sit means because you'll be working on getting your dog to sit on command reliably for a long time. I haven't found it makes any difference how early they learn sit (the word) in the grand scheme of actually obeying sit when people come to visit or when they are excited....which is when it is MOST important.

- I feed in crate out of Kongs. I don't put water in crate because they will likely play in it and you won't know if it is pee or water all over the crate.

[Jennifer Goaring]

My favorite puppy training book was:

 

http://www.amazon.com/PuppyPerfect-user-friendly-parenting-Howell-D...

 

"Puppy Perfect" by Sarah Hodgson

 

We were first time dog/pup owners when I got Sam and her method is treat based (positive reinforcement) and seemed very effective.  I also got Sam enrolled in a puppy class though for dog 6 month and younger.  That was really invaluable as well.  You will learn how to help create the behaviors you want in your dog and then you can train them to do just about anything because you will know a method for how to reinforce behavior that you want.  That sentence doesn't make sense!  Sorry, I am tired... my point being -- the training is for YOU.  Once you get how it works, you can work on whatever it is you want to with the pup.  As Adina said, there are lots of methods out there... you just find something that works that you like.

 

Jen G.

-loving all the puppy discussions even though we are definitely heading out of the puppy stages with Sam turning 2 in October and Mojo turning 2 in Feb.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I am a rookie myself, so I don't have much advice yet, but just wanted to say...Your puppy is ADORABLE!  What's his name???

[Carol Brand]

Puppies can be in a crate during the day for as many hours as they are months old + 1.  So, an 8 week old puppy can be in a crate for 3 hours at a time during the day.  

 

I think puppies should have water in their crates during the day.  I take it up at night.

 

In terms of training, you can start right away.  In my experience, owners don't ask enough of their pet puppies.  I recommend the book Competition Obedience: A Balancing Act.  You can get it from Amazon and you can start out training your puppy correctly.  

[Julie and Maggie]

I have really appreciated the insights in Ian Dunbar's Before and After You Get Your Puppy. Free online if you want. Adina has linked it on other threads. I would if I could but I am replying from my phone and traveling.