Too young for obedience training?

[whyowhy116]

Emme is 9 weeks old, we rescued her from a shelter about 2 weeks ago and have been investigating training options. We seem to have found a wonderful trainer with excellent refs, but I keep hearing conflicting opinions on her young age. The training is not a puppy kindergarden, its once a week for 18 weeks and starts with the basics and correcting behavioral problems. The trainer feels that now is the time to start her because she will grow with the program. Emme is sitting and lying down,without treats all the time, although she won't stay, and she is comstanting chewing and chewing and chewing...Any opinions the age to begin training? Also, I've heard various advice on dominant downs for young ones, but cant find any info on it, any opinions???

[Sahaira]

I don't think that ANY dog is too young to begin training. And with any rottie, it is a constant, on going job. They will "remember" the rules, but refuse to abide by them at times. Then training must occur again. Very smart animals. And it seems that you have gotten her on a good start. Just keep it up.

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sahaira13@netscape.net

Hi,

Did you just begin your shots with Emme? I also got my male Rottie at 9 weeks and he has 4 sets of shots that are required before he hits 20 weeks. My vet has advised me not to have him out with a lot of dogs until those shots are complete. These shots are not only protection against the standard kennel cough, etc. but Parvo. I'm sure you may already know this but because of the Rottweiler's poor immune systems they are very susceptible to the Parvo virus.

I normally do not start my class training until 5-6 months and I try and let my puppies be puppies during the younger months. However, I do work with them at home to learn sits, downs(very short), leave it, fetch and best of all "come".

Lisa

[Carol Burke]

Nine weeks is very young to start formal obedience training. I usually start my puppies in puppy class at twelve weeks. You do have to be careful about imunizations before taking your puppy into groups of dogs. Also, if you do join a formal training class you have to remember that this is a real baby and will not have the attention span to absorb a great deal all at once. I would use only positive training methods with no corrections at this age. Chewing is normal and should be directed to items that are chewable.

[DNeff]

It sounds to me like this would be a one on one training situation. Is that the case? I feel for puppies, Puppy Kindergarten is the best way to go. The focus of the class is mainly socialization with some basic training techniques introduced like sit, come, and down. The early part of the puppy's life is when socialization is critical. That is why puppy class is so good. It helps teach you how to train your dog and it gets your puppy in to new places and introduced to new dogs. All of this is done in a very causal atmosphere were the focus is on the puppies having fun not on serious training. I think you should work with your dog every day on the basics, like sit, down and come. But give your puppy a few months to mature before you start much more serious stuff. The one important thing mentioned previously is that make sure your rottie has had almost all of his shots before you start classes. Rotties are much more susceptible to parvo then most puppies and it is key that you wait until they have had 75% of their shots before they start class. This means waiting until they are about 17 weeks or so. Good luck with it.
Dawn Neff
dawn.neff@jcnordt.com
http://members.aol.com/dplantier

[whyowhy116]

After discussing my concerns with the trainer this morning I found that the first 4 weeks are mainly socialization and the basics (sit, lay, come and intro to the leash) All of these things Emme already does, but could use some additional help on. The classes are limited to 3 dogs, all under 1 year of age. Emme already socializes with several family dogs, and plays well with them, in addition to all that we encounter in the neighborhood. Emme is up to date on her shots, including Bordadello. My vet never even mentioned Parvo when I spoke with her about enrolling Emme in classes. This brings up another question. What age should I introduce her to a choke chain. The trainer suggested it, but didn't require it because she is just a bitty thing (about 15 pounds). And finally, is there a recommended book that covers the basics for Rotties? I have bought several, but have run across some frighting books, including one called "100 Ways to Train your Rottie Pup" Which encouraged me to throw hot water in Emme's face and to correct her by esentially letting her hang from her choke chain. Needless to say the book was returned. There seem to be so many conflicting opinions that I find I have more questions than answers. I greatly appreciate everyones imput and look forward to your suggestions!

[DNeff]

Does this trainer use motivational methods to train? Have you sat in on one of the class they offer? I would recommend attending at least one class to watch this trainer in action and see if you agree with the methods they use to train. I would also leave your puppy on a flat buckle collar. Choke collars can damage the puppies windpipe, and you really should not be using a collar to correct such a young dog. If you find later that the buckle becomes ineffective you may want to consider a gentle leader of something similar. Personally I am not fond of the choke because of the damage it can do to a dog.
As for good rottie books. I would try: The Rottweiler : Centuries of Service by Linda Michels, Catherine Thompson, The Rottweiler Experience by Joan Klem, A New Owners Guide to Rottweilers by Urs Ochsenbein, and though I haven't read it myself I've heard The Complete Idiots guide to Rottweilers is supposed to be very good also.
Good luck!
Dawn Neff
dawn.neff@jcnordt.com
http://members.aol.com/dplantier