Training. How Young?

[Zimmer]

My liittle girl is 9 weeks. Is this to young to start teaching here to sit, down, and come?

[halliebear]

Nope, as long as you are using positive training methods like treat or clicker training (no choke collars, prong/pinch collars, or corrections) you can start teaching her right away.
If she's up to date on shots, you can get her started in puppy kindergarten as well

Congrats on your new puppy :D

[Harleysmom]

I highly recommend puppy kindergarten classes. They are a lot of fun. The pups learn as well as us and they also get to socialize. Harley and I will be starting basic obedience soon and I am excited about that, but there is nothing more entertaining than those adorable puppies.

[poohbearsmom]

Hi.
You can start now. Keep in mind that when you're training a puppy, she is just that - a puppy. You should try to keep all training sessions short and sweet, and very very motivating. Food rewards are good, as are toy rewards.

For instance - if she's standing in front of you - you could hold a treat right in front of her nose, Say, "(her name) Sit." - then guide her nose backwards with the morsel, and she should automatically sit with the motion. Praise and feed the second her bum is all the way down, then rinse and repeat. ;)

The down can be taught from the sit position by taking the treat and leading the pup's head down and forward a tad... The stand can be taught from the sit position by leading the pup forward and keeping it's head level.

Bottom line, keep it fun and short for your youngin'. Above all have patience, because it takes a while for a dog to truly learn to modify it's behavior. Don't be discouraged when, after 4 months she sits perfectly, one day she looks at you like you've got a monkey flying out of your butt. Enjoy the ride.

I've found that basicly, everyday life is training for my puppies. I keep treats on me, and the pup nearby while I'm doing my chores and such, and I'll take a minute or two, do a few commands, praise, treat, rub, be silly, and go on.

You might look into a puppy kindergarten to enroll her into in about a month, then go on and complete a basic obedience course. The PK is terrific for socialization, and they're usually great brag/question answer sessions. The obedience class is a great proofing ground for your training, as well as a socialization, and critique venue.

Hope this helps.
Elisabeth

[Zimmer]

We have been practicing sitting and down using the hand movement with treats. I just wondered if I was trying to early. We keep sessions short 5 - 10 min, Severaly times a day. We make it fun so she enjoys the time.

[halliebear]

That sounds great, you will be happy you started young, she will be a well behaved adult :D

Halliebear