Training A Dog

Question: What age is the best to start training a dog (husky/german shepherd) and best training techniques?

(Posted by: lost on 2010-08-02 17:51:47)

I just got my puppy today. He is 1/ 2 German shepherd and 1/ 2 husky. I want to train him the right way and properly. I already love this dog. Any helpful hints or recommendation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Posted by: tiptoptraining on 2010-08-02, 18:30:21

Every time you interact with your dog, you are training the dog. Every time the dog interacts with other things and beings in the environment, you (or the environment) is training the dog. clickersolutions.com has some great articles on training, and also a wonderful listgroup. youtube has some good videos, I suggest starting with those by kikopup. Patricia McConnell has some great books and DVDs, I suggest Puppy Primer to start patriciamcconnell.com

Posted by: Natalie on 2010-08-02, 17:55:11

When they start doing more things such as walking, playing, barking, and other things that's when you can train them and its good to train them at young age because then they learn more

Posted by: Stephen on 2010-08-02, 17:55:37

Immediately. How exactly to train him depends on what you want out of him. For basic obedience (I'm presuming he's right around 8 weeks), he's too young for any real corrections, beyond stopping him from biting. When you see him sitting, tell him GOOOOD BOOOYY!!! and give him a treat. This will teach him what sitting is. As you see him doing different things praise and treat him and tell him good and whatever he just did. This will build his vocabulary in a way that will make him excited and ready for future training. Most importantly of all, you need to work on building a bond with your dog. Throw a ball around with him, pet him, interact with him as much as you can. If you are the primary trainer you need to be the source of food and treats. Do not ever let strangers give him treats or toys, as your importance will quickly diminish when he realizes that he can get pleasure from other people. This isn't to say he shouldn't be socialized with people, bring him around as many people as possible, especially children and teach him appropriate behavior around people. I have a 4 month old working line German Shepherd, and did just this. He is in schutzhund so he is also learning tracking and protection. As of now he knows how to heel (sit while heeling and lay down while heeling) he stops and sits next to me while heeling, when I come to a stop. He comes when called, and he will heel through people without jumping on them. In tracking he knows he can follow a trail, with turns, that spans well over 100 yards long. The proof is in the progress, I don't claim to be a genius, I'm simply following methods that are over 100 years old.

Posted by: GreenEyedMexican on 2010-08-02, 17:57:06

My aunt has one. Same exact breed. Depending on if he's a puppy, start as soon as he's about 4/ 5 months old. Some people start when the dogs become fully hairy and can walk,talk- 2/ 3 months. I say start training as early as possible, beginning w/ basic commands, then go on to harder stuff

Posted by: Silver on 2010-08-02, 18:08:33

Right now is perfect to begin training. Both dogs need A LOT of physical and mental excercise, so they need to be taken for walks after all his shots are taken care of. You should get a Kong toy, stuff it with treats and peanut butter, and giggle for hours watching him try to get the treats. Bones(be careful while he's a puppy, though) are also a great chew toy. The best training technique is possitive reinforcement. Also, make sure he understands from an early age that you are the pack leader. All humans go through the door first, then he does. All humans sit on the couch, then he does. He's not allowed to jump unless you ask him to. He can only sleep on the bed if you allow him to, and he has to sleep at the foot of the bed. Regular feeding schedules will help with potty training, and take up water by 7pm so there's less of a chance. If you want to crate train, understand that you can NEVER use the crate as a punishment. My neighbors did that, and now their dogs hate their crates. Their crates are supposed to be like a den, and eventually they will learn to love their crate(if trained right). Never punish them if you don't see them eliminate in the house, this only leads to their confusion. If you have any specific questions, you can email me.