to start obedience training for my 8 weeks old puppy. It is a mini schnauzer.
BTW, crate training was not as easy as I thought. I am hanging in there.
2006-09-18 11:37:14 · 10 answers · asked by Flight23 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Look for a school that has puppy classes! Then start right away, he'll love it and he'll also get the chance to socilize and become a better dog! Keep up the crate training it works wonders!!
2006-09-18 11:41:40 · answer #1 · answered by pharfly1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And crate training at 8 weeks is NOT going to be easy, because at 8 weeks that baby puppy doesn't physically possess the muscle strength, bladder size, and stamina to be ABLE to physically 'hold it' for long in the first place, so please, PLEASE don't expect too much...if he's gotta go bad, he's gonna burst right where he is, crate or not, if he hasn't been out VERY recently. It is like a human infant...you can't expect them to 'hold' it long , they just physically cannot until they're older.
As far as obedience training, for now focus more on socializing the puppy...get its shots and then get it out to safe areas where it will meet lots of kind people in a non-scary environment...don't focus on hardcore obedience just yet, it IS too early. Right now, what you need to get involved in is something that 'obedience schools' will offer called "Puppy Kindergarten", which is going to focus on socializing your puppy to make it a happier, healthier, dog and lay the foundation that you'll later do obedience training with. Call and ask specifically about Puppy Kindergarten and how soon your puppy can get into a class. They'll work on making things funsy-cutesy for puppy...like a 'fun' recall, etc. but NOT hardcore obedience, not yet, it is too early and your little baby's attention span is about the size of a gnat right now.
2006-09-18 18:46:52 · answer #2 · answered by Peachy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i found the best classes are offered through "petsmart". i think they are called puppy and me classes. they teach you how to handle your puppy and the puppy how to handle you. they guide you through puppy training and socialization. they are 8 week classes( one class per week and about and hour each lesson) Find places that you can take you puppy too like different store and parks( just mind the leash laws.) Training starts at home. Crate training is the BEST thing you can do for you puppy and your sanity. they are just like kids they get on your nerves. Start by keeping the crate where the puppy can see you and leave the door open, then make the pup lay down in the crate, that away you can scan you pup for nervous conditions .Then lock him in and leave the room. once he is comfy in his new home move the crate out of that room into a more private spot. This worked wonders for my pup. Dont forget pups need to go potty about once a hour during the day and every 4 hours at night, after playing and after eating. watch for scrating at the floor and sniffing this is there way of letting you know its time to go. they are alot of work!! Good luck with your new baby!!!!
2006-09-18 19:26:18 · answer #3 · answered by crystalyn129 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask your local animal shelter if they offer obediance classes (they usually do), and if so, when they start. Ask if there's an age limit or any kind of restrictions. They'll be able to tell you more details, both about your pup and the kind of class you should enroll it in.
Raising a puppy is hard work - way to hang in there. It'll get easier as the puppy grows and learns. Best of luck!
2006-09-18 18:41:41 · answer #4 · answered by chaste_hermione 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obedience training should be started the minute you get the animal. It will get to know your moods ( much the same way a child does ) & what it can get away with if you don't establish rules from the start.
Let him / her know that you love it, but also make it understand that it has to mind.
2006-09-18 18:46:34 · answer #5 · answered by baby_girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RIGHT NOW IS A GOOD TIME. BUT REMEMBER THAT PUPPIES ARE LIKE CHILDREN AND HAVE A SHORT ATTENTION SPAN. SO THE BEST WAY IS TO ALWAYS END EACH SESSION OF TRAINING ON A POSITIVE NOTE AND NEVER MAKE IT TO LONG AND WHEN THEY DO WHAT YOU ASK GIVE THEM LOTS AND LOTS OF PRAISE.
2006-09-18 18:50:07 · answer #6 · answered by texas_sandie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally i would get the sit, stay, no and come commands down before going into a class... then I'd wait until month 3 or 4.
2006-09-19 10:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by MadMaxx 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As soon as possible! The sooner, the better. Good luck :)
2006-09-18 18:38:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
right now!!!
the sooner you get your pup on the right track the better for the both of you.
Have fun with your new pup!
2006-09-18 18:40:48 · answer #9 · answered by atticbat63 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also agree...as soon as possible
2006-09-18 18:40:38 · answer #10 · answered by Page 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋