[logy]

I have an 5 month puppy that I am starting to prepare for formal OB. What signs should I look for to show me that the puppy is mature enough for this training?

 

[Good Dogs]

Pups are old enough to start training when their eyes are open. Just be sure to adjust to where the pup is in its maturity, regardless of age. Some pups may be able to handle 15 minutes of drill, some only a couple. Learn your pup.

 

[Wayne Nutt]

Most pros like Lardy would say about six months. But if it is a personal dog I would say he's ready now to start ob. I wouldn't start force hold until he has all his permanent teeth. Other than knowing his name I don't know of any other signs to look for.

 

[TIM DOANE]

Pups are old enough to start training when their eyes are open. Just be sure to adjust to where the pup is in its maturity, regardless of age. Some pups may be able to handle 15 minutes of drill, some only a couple. Learn your pup.

WOW, when are pups eye's have just opened they cant stay awake for 15 min.

 

[Evan]

I have an 5 month puppy that I am starting to prepare for formal OB. What signs should I look for to show me that the puppy is mature enough for this training?

As you know, 'formal' obedience isn't merely taught. Pressure is involved in formalizing obedience, so your read of the pup will have to be done first hand. How is his attention span? By now you will have CC'd to "Here" (You're finishing that up, right?). He should show you how sensitive he is under those conditions, and that should lead you to decide when to start sticking to sit, for example.

Evan

 

[WarrenHillLabs]

Jackie Merten's "Sound Beginnings" Retriever Training DVD along with the book The Monks of New Skete's "The Art of Raising a Puppy" for visual training along with explaining the developmental stages of a puppy.

 

[huntinman]

I have an 5 month puppy that I am starting to prepare for formal OB. What signs should I look for to show me that the puppy is mature enough for this training?

At 5 months, he's probably ready. Here is a link to YBS media, who handles the sales for one of the pros who advertises on the forum. (He also won the National 7 times, so he knows what he's speaking of). Good luck with your pup!

https://www.ybsmedia.com/index.php/shop

 

[brandon a]

Evan, i am in a similiar situation as the OP. My dog is a little over 5 months, I CC'd to here right as he turned 4 months old.
My question is, now that we are about to start the true formal obedience (heeling stick, ecollar for heel and sit, etc.), should we re-visit the CC to come where I bring the dog all the way up the power scale on the Ecollar and give him light restraint and all of that like in the obedience DVD?

We did it at 4 months with very low levels of stimulation and no restraint after I gave the come command as shown in the puppy DVD.

 

[Evan]

Yes, but spend some time with Heel & Sit first. Do some pressure conditioning with the heeling stick. Then you will likely only need a session or two of CC to 'here' to finish it off. Plan on 3-5 days of stick to sit so you're not relying on fewer sessions with overt pressure to solidify your dog.

Evan

 

[KwickLabs]

Formal OB often starts the day after you find yourself saying two things 1) "The honeymoon is over." and 2) "There are some things I should have been doing."

 

[leemac]

Formal OB often starts the day after you find yourself saying two things 1) "The honeymoon is over." and 2) "There are some things I should have been doing."

This!

I'm a novice for sure, but I knew exactly when to start with formal OB with my youngster. It was right after my five month old starting flipping me the paw and not obeying commands that he had been solid on since twelve weeks old. When he acted like a teenager, he was ready.

 

[logy]

As you know, 'formal' obedience isn't merely taught. Pressure is involved in formalizing obedience, so your read of the pup will have to be done first hand. How is his attention span? By now you will have CC'd to "Here" (You're finishing that up, right?). He should show you how sensitive he is under those conditions, and that should lead you to decide when to start sticking to sit, for example.

Evan

Her attention span has greatly improved since she was a little puppy. I have noticed that she is starting to blow off some commands more regularly. She use to be able to stay in a sit/stay with distractions around and if she would get up it would only take a reminder or two. I am currently finishing up CC to here, but I starting to study the material for the next step. I am a little confused on what you mean by the last two sentences. Could you explain that a little more to me?

 

[brandon a]

Yes, but spend some time with Heel & Sit first. Do some pressure conditioning with the heeling stick. Then you will likely only need a session or two of CC to 'here' to finish it off. Plan on 3-5 days of stick to sit so you're not relying on fewer sessions with overt pressure to solidify your dog.

Evan

Sounds good!

We started heeling and sit with the heeling stick and choke chain this afternoon, I figured I will have the next 5 or 6 days where I can train twice a day every day since we have the holiday and all that, after that it will be back to once a day at the most.

What is the typical time span between starting formalizing heel, sit, come, and down to starting force fetch?

Thanks.

 

[Wayne Nutt]

I updated Rowdy's training log to show some of the early work milestones.

http://www.retrievertraining.net/fo...owthread.php?97238-Rowdy-(by-Pirate)-yard-work-milestones&p=1105998#post1105998

Hope this helps guide you in your training.