training new puppy

[tracysues]

I have just adopted a six week old Rott. I am looking for advice about training her. Where do I start?

[AngelBunny]

tracysues:

Six weeks is really too young for her to have left her mother--is there a reason for this??

I have two suggestions for you:

1) Start reading thru all the postings in every topic on this Forum; that way, you'll get an idea of what to expect as your puppy matures.

(This will also show you that questions related to food, housetraining, crate training, bite inhibition, and exercise, among other topics have been answered *many* times over.)

2) Get yourself a copy of Richard Beauchamp's "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rottweilers." For $15, you'll get yourself a well-written, informative book.

[tracysues]

I have seen that book advertised on the web. I will buy it today. My puppy is seven weeks old tomorrow. She is already ten pounds. Is it a problem that she is so young?

[AngelBunny]

tracysues:

Puppies typically don't leave their mother until they're at least 8 weeks--why was your puppy taken from her mother at 6 weeks??

And, yes, having her taken from her mom so young can cause problems with her not learning bit inhibition. Two weeks may not seem like a long time to you, but in the life of such a young puppy, it's a very long time indeed.

[luvarott]

If you can get your hands on it I would really recommend you watch Dr.Ian Dunbar's video called Sirius Puppy Training....check your local libraries........absolutely wonderful gentle approach to instilling good habits in your puppy.
Barb McNinch is a very gifted Rottweiler owner and trainer and has a new book out called Training Your Rottweiler, available at amazon.com....she addresses new puppy issues in it...I haven't read it yet, but knowing Barb on the net and reading the reviews I am sure this would be a helpful resource for you.
Third and last suggestion is to quickly get searching for a good puppy kindergarten class in your area......most of them start with puppies between 10 to 12 weeks of age.

[tracysues]

Thanks for the suggestions. I really want to make sure that I train her right and do what's best for her. I know that training is an ongoing thing and never ends. I just need a litle guidance to get started.

[daisy mae]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by AngelBunny:
tracysues:

Puppies typically don't leave their mother until they're at least 8 weeks--why was your puppy taken from her mother at 6 weeks??

And, yes, having her taken from her mom so young can cause problems with her not learning bit inhibition. Two weeks may not seem like a long time to you, but in the life of such a young puppy, it's a very long time indeed.</font>

I got my pup at 6 weeks, why is it such a bad thing?

[TrinityRun]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by daisy mae:
I got my pup at 6 weeks, why is it such a bad thing?</font>

It's well known puppies who are separated from their littermates too early in life, often do not, if ever, form the necessary skills to develop properly.

As has been stated, within the confines of their litter, they learn bite inhibition and social structure over several, crucial weeks. Wrestling is essential in expanding coordination, forming acceptable social skills as well as establishing rank. Puppies fortunate enough to have the security of their littermates and dam are able to proceed more successfully through these stresses than pups who were
prematurely removed from the litter.

For the most part, no reputable breeder would place a puppy at 6 weeks of age.

[Chantal]

Get the book The Art of Raising A Puppy. our neighbor gave it to us the day we got our pup. It is a wonderful book.

[TrinityRun]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Chantal:
Get the book The Art of Raising A Puppy. our neighbor gave it to us the day we got our pup. It is a wonderful book.</font>

Is this the one authored by the Monks of New Skete?

[Sampson's Mom]

I second the suggestion to get involved in a puppy kindergarden and then continue with another obedience class. Since your puppy is still too young to start class you may want to talk to some trainers and see if they would allow you to observe a class. We had a great experience but one of my friends atteded a class that focues on training by punishment instead of reward. The trainer was very agressive and physical. The dog started to whine the minute they drove up to the building. She ended up leaving that class and had to start all over.

Good luck with your baby. You will have so much fun watching her grow!

[tracysues]

WEll, my pup is now almost ten weeks old. She is wonderful. She is learning quickly too. I know it is a continuous thing in regards to training.....but so far, so good. I have obtained three books so far. They have many good suggestions and also some not so good. We are having such a fun time playing and training with her. She seems to be thriving on all the attention. She just seems to bounce everywhere she goes!!! Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

[pride-and-joy]

Yes Lauren, "The Art of Raising a Puppy" is by the Monks of New Skete.

I read it also and found it very helpful, especially with the gentle dominance handling and massage exercises. It was the first book I read before I found the "Idiots Guide..."

I also just read "Positively Obedient" by Laura Trainer, that I felt was a good beginner book.