Training basic commands?

I do not have a set schedule, so, I cannot committ to going to an actual class, so, I want to start to train my puppy myself, at home. He is now 12 weeks old. Is that too young to start training the basic :sit, stay, heel %26amp; come commands? What's the best at home method? Do clickers really work? What are other options b/c my dog just seems confused when I tried using a clicker. What are the best books %26amp;/or DVD's that help in training?

Training basic commands?
Hi..





At that age is not training, it is imprinting or foundation work.


It is best done with a motivational type of way such as treats or as I prefer, a toy.


I start at home where the least amount of distractions are presented and do the recall FIRST. That teaches responsibility and it is a fun command for a puppy. I call the dog's name and as soon as he comes he gets a treat/toy.


I continue with all basic commands in the same manner, I place the puppy in the desired position and reward.


A few things you need to remember at this point. The attention of a 12 week old puppy is the same as that of a flea, so, short 1-2 minute sessions several times a day are best. Once you have committed to giving a command, go through with it all the way. Always use a long lead to be able to control the puppy. Do not get into clickers, your voice in just as effective. The reward has to be instantaneous when the puppy does what he was told.


This is very important work as EVERYTHING that you do now will create the foundation for all behaviors that will follow later in life. Stay away from the Petco, Petsmart places, they have no idea what training is. Good luck to you!!
Reply:It's surely not to young. A lot of breeds even train puppies at 6 weeks. :]





The best home method for me is using an online resource.





No, clickers don't work. IMO
Reply:Best, and easiest way to do it all is on a leash (or LONG training lead, especially for come and stay).





Say the command, then put the dog in the correct position, then PRAISE PRAISE and lots of treats. Do this OVER and over. Keep the lead on, until your pup has mastered each command, then continue the training with the lead off. Its best to only do one at a time, it will be SO much easier for your puppy to learn, and when they do better, they feel better for all of the praise and treats they get!





Well that's the short version... I've been learning from a professional trainer, so I can't recommend any books or anything because I haven't read much of any of them. Email me if I can help you more! Good luck!





P.S. The others are right, 12 weeks is NOT too young! When you start with them younger, he'll learn to LOVE learning, which is awesome. My pup is 14 weeks and knows sit, down, stay, and is working on "come".
Reply:I just used basic commands paired with treats. I started with my pug puppy when he was only 8 weeks old and he truly picked up on it - so I don't think 12 weeks is too young at all.





I have tried using a clicker, but as you said - they seem a little confused, although I'm probably not using it correctly, because I know other people get results with it.





Just say the command "sit" - and wait for the magical moment when he does it. As soon as he does, give him a treat and praise the heck out of him. Eventually, he'll catch on, but it won't happen over night.





Good luck!
Reply:yes, clickers work wonders!!!





AND no, it is not too young to start! At 10 weeks old my puppies know sit, down, come, stay and how to shake.





Go to Petsmart and talk to one of the trainers there. They will be able to recommend a video or book for you.
Reply:yes
Reply:No, it's never too early to start training basic obedience.





Clickers work for some and not for others. If your dog is not responding to the clicker, it may be because you haven't charged it properly.





http://www.clickersolutions.com





A few tips for training:


Keep sessions short. Many short sessions are more effective than one long session. I would say 10 minutes maximum for a puppy. End before he gets bored, and always end on a positive, never a negative.
Reply:Hi, i traines my dog myself , at first it was soooooooo hard, but then i bought a book at Petco, about pugs, in the back it had a training CD, so i tried and in about 1 week, my pug allready knew a lot of commands especilly sit and heel.





The book brand is Terra Nova, and they sell the book according to the breed.





Here is the web page of the pug book:http://www.amazon.com/Pug-Terra-Nova-Sus...





According to you dogs breed, you can put like the pomeranian terranova, or the boston terrier terranova.





P.S The treats you have to use for training have to be very small, try cutting the reagular treats or small pieces of pup-peroni