Website design By BotEap.comThe general rule regarding the age to start training is six months. However, depending on the particular breed and temperament, this rule should not be inflexible.

Website design By BotEap.comSome large breeds that are often very dominant in nature, for example the Rottweiler and Pyrenean, will grow into very strong and powerful animals and training should start a little earlier, usually four months.

Website design By BotEap.comGeneral socialization with other animals can begin as early as three months, after the puppy has received its vaccinations.

Website design By BotEap.comObviously, it depends on your previous experience with dogs. If you have had previous experience with dogs and happen to be a dominant person, there is no need to start too early. You will have established a sense of control and obedience with your dog very early on and the dog will know by the firmness of your handling that you are the “leader of the pack”.

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, if you haven’t had much experience training dogs, it’s certainly advisable to start early, especially with puppy socialization.

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, remember that this is a very young puppy you are training. Don’t be too harsh in your training methods. Let the puppy enjoy the process. Don’t forget to enjoy plenty of games when you’re not involved in formal training sessions.

Website design By BotEap.comMost puppies have a certain amount of prey drive, some more than others, but this should be encouraged from a very young age.

Website design By BotEap.comStart with a soft slipper in your step, so the pup will come back to you and not run away.

Website design By BotEap.comGet very emotional in the process of throwing the slipper and praise him enthusiastically when the pup comes back holding the slipper.

Website design By BotEap.comDogs vary greatly in temperament, even within a given breed. With German Shepherds, for example, this is particularly noticeable. I have had German Shepherd puppies that are so eager to please that they are an absolute joy and delight to train. A few, but thankfully very few, have been so opinionated and opinionated that it has been a battle not to be too overbearing and spoil their spirit.

Website design By BotEap.comYou have to make an intelligent assessment of your own particular dog’s temperament, regardless of breed, and adjust your training to suit the dog.

Website design By BotEap.comBorder collies, for example, are remarkably intelligent and generally very easy to train. However, they often need firm but gentle handling to establish their authority.

Website design By BotEap.comNote: This information is relevant for those who want a well-behaved dog and for those who intend the usual obedience tests. However, if you are interested in the sport of Schutzhund, there are many expert trainers who suggest that it is not advisable to start any training until the dog is much more mature, at around 14 months, and even later.

Website design By BotEap.comThere is some merit to this view, because in Schutzhund training the accent is often one of “impulse”. Early training can sometimes make a dog obedient but not as enthusiastic as is required to win at the highest level.

Website design By BotEap.comObviously a lot depends on the breed of dog you’re training; the temperament of the dog and of course his own temperament.

Website design By BotEap.comYou will find a lot of useful information on obedience training on the following website: www.freedogadvice.com