Dont have puppy yet but looking for some advice

[Goniella]

My rescue rott recently passed, I have been making tentative plans on getting my first show prospect next year. I say tentative because my first pick breeder isnt sure whether they will have another litter they are still thinking about it :)

Ok now on to the questions. I would also like to try tracking and obedience with my future pup. When it comes to tracking what is the best age to start laying tracks? Could I start little trails and making a game of it with a 3 month old puppy? Or would it be better to wait till older?


Also does anyone know of any good clicker training sites? The only obedience class I have been to used slip collars and pinch collars, i would prefer to use motivational if I can, and would liek to learn more about clicker training.


TIA :D

[Ramon]

I think 3 months is a great time to start tracking games. That was my mistake not to do that. Other people in my Shutzhund club who started their dogs on scent games as puppies are further along than I am.
I'm all for motivational training as being your main focus. However, I've yet to see anyone compete at the highest levels of obedience without using some compulsion to "proof" their exercises. If you just want an obedient pet and your next puppy happens to be on the "soft" side, total motivation might work, but I doubt it otherwise. JMO