What is the advisable age for a pup on training?

[RottieMan2001]

I have a 3mo old pup that so far I started training on my own with basic commands such as sit, NO, stay, etc.. and he's been responding quite amazingly to my commands. However I wanna get to the point where he'll be able to walk off-leash and I hear too many people telling me he's too young for a "REAL" training to wait till he's atleast 6mos or older.... Is there any truth to this or the younger the better?

thanks.

[Roscoe's dad]

He is old enough for "puppy kindergargen" right now. When that is complete ussually about 4 - 6 weeks he should be ready for basic obiedience and then just continue on with the advanced.

[SarasMom]

Any training you do is "real", and yes it's fine to start now. Go easy on him though. Make it fun and short sessions. He's learning every day. Don't expect him to heel off leash for quite a while. Your pup is still an infant. ;)

[Judy Chrusch]

JMO of course, but I never took any of my boys to obediance class till they were 6 months, though worked daily at home till then. In that time they were daily socialized as well. Back when we had our first rottie they didn't have anything like puppy kindergarden so I'm not familiar with that. Our present pup who is now 14 months went at 6 months and he's coming along very nicely. When you do take him to some classes if you plan on showing him, make sure you tell the trainer bc when the others are taught "SIT", yours should "STAND". That's what we did and once he caught on to things we did then teach the "SIT" bc there may be times when that command is needed but for the most part he stands and it's really a good command to teach anyway bc they learn to stand for things you may have to do such as examine them and especially at the vets. So it's an all around good thing to teach. With training remember to do not over do and train several times a day for 15 minutes or so and stop before he does get stressed. Be patient and consistent and all will go fine. As far as walking off lead, I don't recommend it at all unless you're in a completely fenced in area or you know your dog is VERY WELL TRAINED :D and that part of the training won't come for a very long time, don't rush things, take your time, it will be worth it in the end. Hope this helps. Any advice that is given is strictly that, the end decision is yours;) My best to you and your pup :D.

Judy

[rott-n-roll]

Puppy kindergarden should come at 16 weeks, let your puppy be a puppy he's not in the military. It's good to train him/her after she has discovered a few things first. Protection should come at three years old when the pup fully matures.