Puppy training

Not long come back from training with Kaiser
One of the Instructors hold a puppy class on a wednesday night and she is extremly experienced with training GSD's
She starts them at 7 weeks after their first injection
Good thing or too early?
Linda

[kita]

I think its a good thing.

I got my last dog at 6 and a half weeks old. The same day I took him to my friends house who was also a dog trainer. I took him out and about with me immediately after his first injection (just did not let him sniff around too much). I reasoned that because I had other dogs who were coming and going and carrying anything/everything in on their feet that he could not catch anything they had not brought in anyway! He started at the normal training class (with adult dogs) when he was around 7/8 weeks old.

Guide Dogs for the Blind send their pups to the puppy walkers aged 6 weeks, and that is the optimum time for the pups to go to their new homes and start socialisation.

You may find this article useful:

Puppy Socialisation and Habituation (Part 1) Why is it Necessary? | Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

Taken from above:

" Guide Dogs for the Blind, who, until 1956, used to rely on the donation of adult dogs which they took on approval to maintain their training stock. The success rate of these dogs fluctuated between 9 and 11 percent and it was recognised that this could be improved if the association could supervise the rearing of puppies. These were purchased and placed in private homes at between ten and twelve weeks old or even later. Things improved, but the results were not good enough. It was Derek Freeman, who pushed to have puppies placed in private homes at an earlier age to optimise socialisation and habituation during the critical development period. Derek had a strong belief in Scott and Fuller’s work and importance of early socialisation and habituation in the production of dogs that were best able to survive and perform in the world at large.

Derek found that six weeks was the best time to place puppies in private homes; any later critically reduced the time left before the puppies reached twelve weeks; but if puppies were removed from their dam and litter mates before six weeks they missed the opportunity to be properly socialised with their own kind, which resulted in inept interactions with other dogs in later life. The training success rate soared because of this policy, which was carried out in conjunction with the management of the gene pool via the breeding scheme Derek also pioneered. Annual success rates in excess of 75 percent became common. You might think that this is a special scheme for dogs with a special function. In fact, what the scheme provides is adult dogs with sound temperaments. These dogs coincidentally make the best material for guide dog training which does not start until they have been assessed at ten months or older."

Sue

[Caryll]

I think the sooner the better, as long as the training etc is age appropriate & doesn't last too long. The pup shouldn't be exhausted at the end of it as that might put them off.

[Su-C]

Hi Linda

Having picked up Mason last week, both the breeder and the vet have said the same thing to me - more dogs are PTS from insufficient socialisation at an early age, than from any disease that they may pick up!! Pup will also probably still have some immunity from her Mum anyway.

So for me personally, the benefits far outweigh the risk. Looking at it another way, Kaiser and Troy will still be going out for walks, and unless you disinfect them when returning home, there is still an element of risk.

I know there will be some people that disagree, but I think it is a good thing.

Sue
x

[kelpiemad]

I carry my pups around to see things straight away
Training I start at home from as early as poss if you are wanting to do working trials start the send away from word go to a cone in the living room or garden to her food in a bowl show her the food carry her a step away give her the away comand and let her trot to her food and eat it
lv M xxxx

Thanks for all advice
I thought this was a good idea too
And yes Kaiser and Troy will obviously continue to be out and about for walks and continue training so makes sence to me too.
Good tip for the send away Michelle
Im gonna need all your advice with a working llne pup
Linda x

[wildmoor]

not a problem unless you have parvo in the area
I start at 8 weeks socialising with stable adult dogs and with people, at the club i go to they are not allowed until 2 week after 2nd jab so it tends to be 11 weeks

Originally Posted by wildmoor

not a problem unless you have parvo in the area
I start at 8 weeks socialising with stable adult dogs and with people, at the club i go to they are not allowed until 2 week after 2nd jab so it tends to be 11 weeks

Hi Pam
As far as Im aware its just for puppys so should be okay
I will make sure though

[kelpiemad]

I will explain it better and in more detail when you get your baby you will be surprised how they take to it and the distance you will get
lv M xxxxx

Originally Posted by kelpiemad

I will explain it better and in more detail when you get your baby you will be surprised how they take to it and the distance you will get
lv M xxxxx

Thanks Michelle xxx