When do I start training?

engin33ring

I rescued a puppy from the pound two days ago. I quickly started her on house training, but when is the puppy old enough to start with the come, sit and down commands. She is about 3 months old now and I think she should start picking things up soon. Am I right?

HayleyMarie

yes you are right! You can start with training right now with her. Even younger than 3 months they can pick it up right away. Good Luck at training her!

engin33ring

Thanks, I'm so excited to have a puppy. I hope I can be a good owner. I think I can be, but we'll see.

Labsnothers

Yes, start now. I start on my puppies on the way out of the kennel with a 7 week old.

With a 3 month old you still need to keep training sessions short, only a few minutes at a time.

lizziedog1

You probably will be a good owner. Asking for help and suggestions clearly demonstrate you are on the right track. I have just one suggestion.

Spend as much time as you can interacting with your puppy as possible. Look around, my observations indicate that generally dogs that are interacted with more seem happier and more well-behaved. Also introduce your dog to as many situations as you can. Dogs quickly learn and adjust to things.

If you are going to take your dog on car rides, start now and take her as often as you can. My older female is so used to road trips, she sleeps until we arrive at our destination, car rides are no big deal to her. I also get my dogs used to out loud noises by being loud. Don't scare the pup, but do not tip toe all the time. When a puppy arrives here, I'll make noises during feeding times. It eventually gets to the point that I can loudly bang pots together and the dog hardly flinches. You'll appreciate this the next Fourth of July.

The more you engage your dog in activites, the more well-adjusted she will become.

Like I said, being here and asking for help shows that you will be a good owner. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

One more thing. Bless your heart for saving a dog's life. If there is a God, you have just scored major points in his(or her) book.

engin33ring

It has been only two days and she has already learned to come and sit. I'm so excited. I tend to keep my trainings short, maybe 2-3 minutes, and repeat them 2-3 times a day. Seems to be working so I'm gonna stick with it.

Cracker

Good for you!
I highly recommend the book "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller. It has clear information on how to teach (and not screw up..lol) many basic behaviours and has a training log so you can set up a real program and easily keep track of your progress. It is never too early nor too late to start training..but you do have to keep in mind the puppy's development stages as well so that you can have realistic goals and understand why sometimes things seem to work and sometimes they don't (adolescence is often a hard time for new puppy owners).

I also found "The Puppy Whisperer" by Paul Owens very helpful as well.