Pup Training

[Nate40302]

I am going to send my Lab pup to be trained. I was wondering what is the best age (4 months?) to send pup to be trained. Is it best to send as early as possible? Or is it better to wait until they are around 1 year? Thanks for the help.

[quakwacker]

I am training mine myself but I have always heard to start them early.

[goosebruce]

follow the puppy post sticky above. If your dog is 4 months, and you plan to send them to be trained, you need to be checking out pros now to get a spot when hes 6-7 months old. Most pros have either a waiting list, or a shcedual to adhere too. Like all things in life, preperation can help assure you get what your wanting. travis

[timbercreekretrievers]

Retrieving and obedience work can start when they are very young (10 weeks). Only do a couple of simple retrieves and keep them very fun - no punishment. Retrieving should be the best part of their day. You can start showing them how to sit, etc. early as well. Reward for good performance but go light on punishment. Use small, soft dummies in a distraction-free area for early retrieves.

Formal training can usually start somewhere between 7-9 months depending on the dog. They need to have their adult teeth in to begin force fetch. Plus, they need to be mature enough to understand the pressures of force-fetch and collar conditioning.

If you do plan to have someone work with your pup for you, it's time to get on a waiting list. We usually need a while to get someone worked into our schedule. Hope that helps. We'll be glad to answer any questions.

George Henry