What should I be expecting at 5months of age?

[Tadley58]

Belair is now 5 months of age. At 56lbs she does lack a bit of grace but, I think, is doing well with her obedience. She does sit, down and stay with voice and hand commands. Can stay for about 1 min. She also has the command of wait down well. She is learning to walk on a lead and heel, which she does with some difficulty and reminder from time to time that she needs to heel.

Is she progressing at an average rate? I would like to work towards a CGC but am wondering if we are to slow, what else should I be doing.

She is a very intelligent little kid who loves to be where ever my husband and I are at the moment. She also retrieves a ball and shakes on command. Working on doing a high 5 at the moment. Simply stated she loves the challange of something new.

So for all you folks out there who have Rotties, I need some critique on how she is doing, where I should be headed as far as next steps in training and some some good old fashioned advice. I do not want to do protection training with her, her mother was a Schutzhund champ from what I understand but do not want to go that course with her. I would love to be able to use her as a therapy dog as I am a nurse and would love to take her to work or to retirement homes on my days off.........

Thanks for your time guys, you have been the best at helping me out with all of my "Newbie" questions.


Tad and Belair

[groupieindenial]

Well if she comes from strong SCH lines, you may be SOL on doing therapy work. I wouldn't bank on it, but wait and see what she turns out to be. Remember not to try and make her what you want to be but to channel her characteristics into something that is suited for her.

At 5 months, seems like she's got a lot already in training. Take it slow. Every dog is different, and I wished we had gone slower so I didn't have to reteach everything the RIGHT way. At 5 months, keep it short, fun and frequent. Too young for any serious OB training and you could bore her of the same old mundane routine if you press it too hard so early.

If she's a good puppy, tries - so WHAT if her OB isn't perfect. Have fun with her, channel her energy into FUN things. Reward her short OB lessons with a fun game of her favourite toy.

[Tadley58]

Thank you!! Everything we do is fun. OB training is broken into two sessions of about 10 min a couple of times a day, sometimes just one if I am working. Otherwise she is just being a puppy. This morning watching the pool sweep and walking around trying to figure it out. Playing with my 14 YO queensland/lab mix ( she plays the old dog just grumbles, wags her tail as the puppy does drive bys) Her friend Squirty ( my little rescue dog of 8lbs) is her best friend and they do everything together.

I wish that I could explain how curious and willing this puppy is. She is willing to learn anything and learns quickly, show her once and she has it down!!!

As far as SCH...... I do not want to take her in that direction. I would try something else rather than that. Her mother was very aggressive when we saw her, father curious but not overtly agressive ( father not SCH). So we are just looking at possibilities to keep out family dog happy adn busy.


Tad and Belair

[groupieindenial]

I think thats why I did TOO much training when my boy was little. He really got a kick off learning, figuring out what I wanted from him. His face would totally light up when he knew he got it right. It was really funny. It was the only way to channel his energy! Otherwise he was attacking my ankles (well not at 5mths) but I understand where you are coming from.