when should I start training?

[DivaDog]

Hello! I'm a newbie (on this site and with a new pup) I have 2 questions. I just adopted a lab/rott mix from the local shelter a week ago, she is 8 weeks old. I was wondering when I should start at home with the basic obedience, sit, stay etc? Is it ever too early to start teaching these things?
Also, ever since I started telling people she has rottweiler in her I've heard so much moaning and groaning. Most of it I've shrugged off as their own misconceptions, but one made me curious. Someone told me it is possible for their jaws to lock shut so that they have to be opened by a vet. I have never heard of this before so I was just wondering.
I'll probably be having many more questions in the future:D thanx

[tugger5000]

Never heard of the lock jaw thing, but you shouldn't start obedience training until after a few months. However, you can start PUPPY training (house breaking, etc) at about 12 weeks after they get all of their shots.
The key is finding a good trainer for puppy class.... Socialization and training are the important to have a good canine citizen...

Best of luck to you... (Hint: Post pictures in the ChitChat forum)...

[mickeymichellie]

Mercedes just had a post on this subject within the past month, check the list for it, I am pretty sure it is in the "Behavior" section.

Correction: it is in the training section http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/sho...threadid=22857

[DNeff]

Originally posted by DivaDog
I just adopted a lab/rott mix from the local shelter a week ago, she is 8 weeks old. I was wondering when I should start at home with the basic obedience, sit, stay etc? Is it ever too early to start teaching these things?

You can start training come, sit, down, stand, and attention right now. Keep each session a couple of minutes only and make sure to use lots of praise and rewards for when she is correct. To begin with use a treat to lure her in the the correct position, don't physically place her how you want her.

Here's a link to my webpage that covers some puppy training issues:

http://members.aol.com/dplantier/puppy_training.htm

Originally posted by DivaDog

Also, ever since I started telling people she has rottweiler in her I've heard so much moaning and groaning. Most of it I've shrugged off as their own misconceptions, but one made me curious. Someone told me it is possible for their jaws to lock shut so that they have to be opened by a vet. I have never heard of this before so I was just wondering.
I'll probably be having many more questions in the future:D thanx

Someone is obviously misinformed about rotties. It is not possible for a rottie to lock their jaw shut.

Good luck with your new baby!

Dawn
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OJC OGC NA NAJ TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld

[Wrath]

Originally posted by DivaDog
Someone told me it is possible for their jaws to lock shut so that they have to be opened by a vet.

This is a myth, usually attributed to dogs like Pit Bulls. NO dog has the ability to lock their jaws shut, some are just stronger biters than others and require a lot more effort to should they decide to clamp down on something. Early socialization and training can practically eliminate the chances of a dog ever choosing to do this.

I don't think you can start training too early, especially in what you choose to allow your pup to do. The rule is, if they're allowed to do it as a puppy, they're going to want to do it as an adult. Things like jumping in your lap and crawling up your chest to lap at your face may be cute when their a tiny little fuzzball, but I can attest it starts to get old very quickly as your fuzzball starts packing on the pounds. You can start working on basic obedience commands, but keep the sessions short, fun, and always reward never correct. End sessions with play and you'll be setting your pup up to enjoy training and eagerly look forward to it as they grow older.

[whithill]

Hi and welcome to these excellent forums. You will learn a lot here and get a lot of valuable support. I know I have.
We too adopted a "Rott/Lab" mix from the pound last summer. She was 12 weeks when we got her. LIke everyone has said, you can get started on fun training right away. Dinah has done Jumpstart 1 and 2 and is now in Fundamentals of Obedience. It really helps to keep them challenged and stimulated. Not that it matters, but I suspect the pound folks just guess at this lineage stuff. I don't think our dog has any Lab in her at all. Something, but not Lab. Maybe shepherd.
Anyway, she was bitey, hyper mess when we got her, but time and training have REALLY helped. We can't believe how far she's come. Smart as whip. Eager to learn.

Even tho our dog, like yours, is not pure Rott, we have found that the Rott traits are very clearly visible. Therefore, it's nice to have this site to refer to.

WHat I've learned in a nutshell:
Crate training--a necessity! Humane and sensible. Plus dogs love their crates.
Keep 'em busy! Kong Toys rule. (Do a search on this site and you can learn all about them. Or go to kong.com)
Don't take any c**p from your pup! Nip bad behavior in the bud!
(I got a lot help re this from the forum)
Socialize, socialize, socialize!
Have fun with your pup and good luck!
Dinah's ma

[DivaDog]

Thanks everyone! I already feel like I've joined a big, happy, supportive, friendly family of dog lovers :D I'm glad to know that the jaw thing is a myth and am glad for the other advice! I will be asking many questions as my dogs are my only children at this point in my life:)

[Skip]

While I'm a big fan of proper training, the dog is only 8 weeks old and you just got it. I think it's much more important to get the dog to feel comfortable in it's new surroundings for awhile. Housebreaking - yes....Bite inhibition..yes....Crate training...yes...but give the puppy a few weeks to adjust to his new surroundings and have fun with him.

Skip

[teritoad]

First off, welcome Divadog...you'll love it here and I've learned alot about Rotties...everybody's great and very helpful!

I've heard the "lockjaw" thing before...about Pitbulls and Chinese Shar-pei. I used to breed and show Shar-pei and would hear it all of the time but there really isn't such a thing...at least according to my vet.

I enrolled my 8 1/2 month old in a "Puppy Kindergarten" class at 8 weeks and he just loved it! It was a great way to socialize him and to get him out and with other dogs and people. They taught the basic commands, but the class is more for socialization.:)

Bless you for adopting from a shelter, too, and enjoy your new baby!:D

[cherrywithns]

Training is something that should be started immediately and will continue for the life of your pet. Our official training by our AKC obedience club in Oklahoma starts at 12 weeks of age, but as stated in previous posts you can begin small training sessions so your pet is comfortable in class. Just remember, that your pet is young, so don't lose your patience. On thing a formal class does is to teach you how to properly train your breed of dog. I find my training procedures differ between my rottie and my poodle. About the locking of the jaws, before I was owned by a rottie, I had a pitbull own me, and yes, they have powerful jaws, but locking them and needing a vet to unlock was something that never occurred. You have a wonderful animal, let's ensure that he stays that way, and remember have fun.

[1StRott]

Whatever is done with your puppy at this stage should be fun/game oriented. Let your puppy be a puppy, for the most part. Imprinting some obiedience is necessary, but not much. There attention spans won't allow for much. Another fun and natural activity that I have not heard anyone speak on is tracking. With my young pups I imprint tracking just as I would a sit, or recall. That is really all i work on besides housebreaking. They really love it because they are being rewarded the entire time for doing what is natural. Everything is usually done inside.