When to start teaching basic commands?

[Oliver]

We'll be picking up our 8 week old pup in a few weeks- We can't wait! Most of the puppy training books I've been reading suggest not even trying to teach basic commands (sit, come, stay, down, etc.) until 14 weeks. Instead, they stress the importance of solely teaching the puppy their name and working on potty training. I've noticed lots of doodles learning commands like sit, etc. before they're 14 weeks old though! I'm guessing it just depends on the pup...anyone have any experience with this? How old was your pup when you got him/her and when did you start teaching basic commands...and when was your pup successful with these commands?

[Melissa and Willa Couch]

Where can I find a list of basic commands and advice on training?  I am expecting my pup some time this year and am anxiously awaiting her arrival and trying to prepare!  Thanks!

Also, I am new to this site and am trying to learn my way around.  I imagine the commands are posted somewhere simple and obvious!  

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

No reason to wait.  People used to think that but since Ian Dunbar most people believe the earlier you start the better.  I say start with concepts, such as "yes", good...", "no", etc.  Also come is very important, for safety reasons.  Most importantly to keep it light and fun so that the dog learns to enjoy learning and looks forward to training.  Lola knew all the basics in a controlled environment by about 3 or 4 months - but it's only been in the last month or so (she's now 7 months) that I really have started to feel comfortable giving commands in busy environments with dogs or other distractions around. Of course that really is a lifelong project that is never 100% complete.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

We started training commands immediately. Oscar had his big sis, Lucy, as an example and learned very quickly. They pick their name up naturally, they don't really need to be taught it, except to use it before commands, like, "Oscar, sit!"  Training of all things can start immediately. No need to wait on any of it, really. Don't expect perfection though.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

You can start immediately.  I gave my two a couple of days to get over the trauma of being taken from their siblings and as soon as they were happy I started clicker training.  They still love it and I taught them wait,leave it,sit, down, touch,bed, get busy, all before they were three months old no problem at all.  I taught myself and used YouTube, I love Kikopup and watched the videos over and over to get the timing just right. By the time we went to basic puppy classes they were a waste of time and much more important is socialization with other puppies and all sorts of sites and sounds and experiences. Later on you can go to classes.  You are never finished with training.  One of mine is still a 'jumper up' on people and that's our biggest challenge though I was never looking for perfection lol