How old does my puppy have to be before I can teach him how to sit, stay, ect...?

Question

Black Lab Retrevier X, 9 weeks old

Answer 1

I usually start between 7 and 10 weeks. It kind of depends on the pups attention span. If he'll pay attention to food or treats, then you should have no problems. The easiest way is to take a treat and hold it with the tips of your first two fingers and your thumb, so that he can see it. Then, with the pup in a standing position facing you, move the treat over his head towards his back, (just out of his reach, but close enough that he can smell it) so that it makes him look up, which will cause him to automatically want to sit down. Now with the treat hovering over the top of his head, move your wrist as if you are about to "peck" him on the head with the treat, but don't actually touch him. If he responds to this and sits down, then he will eventually start to make the connection between the "position" that your fingers are in and the "pecking" motion with putting his butt on the ground and getting a treat or a pet, or eventually just a "good boy". Make sure that you say "sit" every time you make the pecking motion, and that you give him the treat IMMEDIATELY when his butt hits the ground. Some dogs are picky eaters, so you might have to try something that smells a little stronger for the beginning stages, like bologna, or sliced cheese, or hot dog pieces. once he gets the idea, you can move to easier (cheaper) things, like cheerios, or simple dog treats.

Answer 2

He's a little too young now. I always started puppy training at 5-6 months. Be patient, the first thing to teach is housebreaking! Play with the puppy and bonding is the most important thing at this age. Also, Retreviers stay young for a very long time! I have a golden, who is 3 years and is finally settling down. He's been going through training since he was 6 months. Good Luck....they are a lot of fun....and you have to be one step ahead of them at all times!

Answer 3

Right now. My puppies can usually sit and down at 6-7 weeks. Use alot of treats and don't expect then to stay for very long, that is hard for a puppy.

I hope you have him enrolled in a puppy kindergarten class, it is VERY good for puppies.

Answer 4

You can start right away..but the key is to repeat to reinforce the behavior.. Puppy attention spans are short. Sit was the first thing I taught my 4 month old golden retriever--from there I taught "down" while he was sitting.. "Stay" will probably be a while!

Answer 5

My border collie could sit and speak at 7 weeks, the sooner the better, plus the pup will get to know your in charge fast!

Answer 6

wait till 2.5-3 months to start teaching effectively

Answer 7

the earlier you start teaching your puppy the better and easier it will be,My dog is nearly one and as soon as she started responding to my voice i started to teach,she didnt listen to start with but keep at it as it will work,also cut up sausages into small pieces as your dog will be more obidient.F or tips try www.thedogtricks.com

Answer 8

HI,,, ha i have a black lab also,,,,, they love to play,,,, you make get lucky and with in a half year to a year get him or her to settle down enogh to learn..... (did i mention they love to play)lol.....

PS: dont feed it too much can food,,, and give him some chew bones to gnaw on.....

good luck

Answer 9

you can teach him now it is easier to teach a puppy ealier i tought my dog how to sit when he was 3 months old it is harder to train them when they get older

Answer 10

You can start teaching him now, the earlier the better.