Yeah, I might be going overboard with the below and I am sure that in the end of the day, a lot of this will never happen but I think a plan is better than no plan. Also, I have waited years to have a puppy and I want to give him the best possible life Would appreciate any reaction - positives and negatives - to the below. Main doubt is if I am being too ambitious and if yes, what should be the focus. Thanks :::::: [size=14pt] Guiding principles[/size] 0. Have FUN and ENJOY 1. Apply positive training which means -- Positive behaviour is rewarded with treats, play, fuzzing, games, cuddling -- Unwanted/negative behaviour is corrected though a) distraction b) removal of reward c) short time out d) light verbal correction using the word no in normal tone and voice e) training the wanted behaviour f) removing the conditions and environment for unwanted behaviour and instead setting Louis up for success. NEVER EVER ANY PHYSICAL CORRECTION OR THREATHENING BEHAVIOR of any kind. This includes colar corrections and increased tone of voice 2. Followership (which is different than pack leadership and being the alpha) is built through fun, play, games, bonding as well as control of what Louis desires, limits and guidelines for good behaviour. 3. Positive behaviours are encouraged and rewarded from day 1 and unwanted behaviorus are corrected from day one. 4. Key positive and wanted foundation behaviours are for example: -- being calm, i.e. no jumping up on guests, no sprinting around, no unsolicited crazy playing, being calm before food is given -- being polite, i.e. sitting before any reward is provided (food, game, walk, pool etc) 5. Unwanted behaviours are for example -- hard bitting -- eating furniture and other items -- not having impulse control 6. Always finish training on a positive note, no matter how Louis performed. 7. Let the dog fail and let him problem solve but set him up for success - advance in small steps 8. Provide plenty of excersice, stimuli and fun Some good video links: -- dominance myth explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33mLzcOU5wM&list=PLMssKIjsDxXmMGypWsr8u-yGOUSoPoozb -- the alpha wolf myth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33mLzcOU5wM&list=PLMssKIjsDxXmMGypWsr8u-yGOUSoPoozb -- what not to do to your best friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cdcyrOMehg -- basic dog training techniques: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/basic-dog-training-techniques -- basic foundation for eliminating bad behaviours: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9-q1_J3hs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJNn961OdsA) [size=14pt]Training methodology[/size] New learnings are taught in 5 steps always: a. Start in a non distracted environment (quiet room). First, mark the behaviour (either with a click or with the word yes) when it happens and reward quickly after. No other words or cues are used because he will have no idea about what that means. First we need to mark behaviour. Might be needed to lure or shape the behaviour. b. When the behaviour is reliable marked, add visual cue while continuing to mark and reward c. When the visual cue is reliable, add the verbal cue 1 second BEFORE the visual cue. Continue to mark and reward d. When visual and verbal cues are reliable, slowly fade the marker and the reward. Reward randomly. e. Start adding distractions (e.g. outside on the balcony or in a park). If behaviour becomes unreliable, go back to a in the new enviroment or reduce the level of distraction There are 4 words to use and only those 4 words - YES which is the marker word for you did it right - Good which means continue what you are doing (not used the first couple of weeks when attention span is low) - Release which means you can do what you want (not used the first couple of weeks when attention span is low) - Uyyy which means you did not get it right Important: Positive behaviour is generously rewarded outside formal training situations. To make sure to have a joker word to use in emergencies, and only in emergencies not to dilute the word, hand feed Louis roasted, cold chicken 2-3 times for a few days. Just small pieces. Give it too him without anything in return and just before putting it in his mouth, say CARLSBERG. Maintain with 2-3 times per week ongoing. [size=14pt] Training first 3 weeks[/size] These are the behaviors to teach first 3 weeks: Loading the clicker and/or the verbal marker (Yes) -- load clicker(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wv1uvvqaSw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6B-Q4-nqNg) Basic manners: -- potty training, being clean in the house (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDy3dmoK7JY) -- being calm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wesm2OpE_2c) -- dont be crazy in front of food treats and no mugging (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRT6r6d79OU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4IzTn-kMU0) -- no begging for food (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu-UyI6jnC4) -- no jumping (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC_OKgQFgzw) -- bite inhibition and later no biting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vrPDMc-I-k) -- dont chew on no-go items (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBc7udJ0O9g) -- no ressource guarding, e.g. foods and toys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMaqwgWiBfU). See also drop it -- having colar on and leash on inside without scratching or biting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_fT1q6vH_o and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPPyupHuyxY) -- impulse control (be polite eg sit before playing, beeing fed etc: http://blog.smartanimaltraining.com...ys-to-teaching-dogs-calm-and-polite-behavior/ Basic obedience commands: -- look at me // interrupter // pay attention (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiMGJBxRtBw , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJSGda3b3wA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?annot...&feature=iv&src_vid=TJSGda3b3wA&v=TBvPaqMZyo8) -- leave it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEeS2dPpPtA and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVJiwa9LHiw) -- drop it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO2cxHgIzX0) -- sit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIdKdba_Wmo) -- down (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn_GEhid88Y) -- recall inside (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t84Ajkj1lck and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8yy5fHRJAQ) Autonomy -- sleep alone -- be alone 30-45 minutes a couple of times per day Other -- get used to water (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY1Ef6C7WQ4) [size=14pt]Socialization first 3 weeks until 3rd vacine[/size] Louis should have exposure to the following first 3 weeks to the extent at all possible but without having paws down outside. Babies, toddlers, children Teenagers, adults, elderly people People with wheelchairs, crutches In-line skaters, cyclists, skateboarders Drunk people, people with odd gaits People in uniform, veterinarians Repair people, delivery people People with umbrellas, helmets, masks People with hats, beards, glasses People with parcels, capes, sacks People with strollers, wagons People of various ethnicities Kids at school grounds Crowds, clapping, cheering People yelling, loud speakers People dancing, singing Livestock, waterfowl Other puppies, friendly adult dogs Other pets Traffic, busses, trains, motorcycles Boats, jet skis, snow mobiles Manhole covers, grates Shiny floors, tiles, icy streets Gravel, cement, mud Revolving signs, swinging bridges Walks after dark, in bad weather Hot air balloons & airplanes Lawn mowers Elevators, automatic doors Balconies, stairs Drive-thru’s, car washes, tunnels Electrical appliances, washers Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers Construction and machinery noises Wind, rain, thunder, snow Fireworks, sporting events, fairs Veterinary hospitals and clinics [size=14pt]Things to train later after at least 3 weeks[/size] Stay (until released....), fetch, lead, heel walking, tug of war, stand, recall
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts That's going to be one well looked after puppy!
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts Marvellous! Such excited anticipation - love it! ;D
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts [quote author=JulieT link=topic=9367.msg134548#msg134548 date=1420376672] That's going to be one well looked after puppy! [/quote] In theory, let us see how it goes in practice Probably he is sleeping in my bed after 3 days and guarding it :-[
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts The early days with a puppy are a bit chaoctic - puppies have a habit of not having read the plan! running around and being a mad, crazy puppy is just what puppies do. They grow up quick, then you miss it.
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts Carlsberg! Love it!! Sounds like you have a good plan, which is a great start. Of course, however prepared you think you are, also be prepared to be overwhelmed by the upheaval of a small puppy. I thought I was ready - I had read loads of books and "all the internet" pretty much. I knew how I would train her, that sleep would be disturbed, that she would bite etc, but nothing actually prepares you for the reality of it! I look forward to hearing your progress. Why not set up a training log like I have done for W&S? It's a great way of keeping track of how you're doing and getting advice on small things as you go along. Also, FYI, warm roast chicken is EVEN better than cold roast chicken
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts Snowbunny, Where did you set up that training log? Sounds like a great idea. I am sure the plan goes into the drain day 1 but at least I have gotten a understanding of some of the basic concepts so when I am improvising it will hopefully be in a good way I must say, reading about dog training and the training principles have been very interesting if nothing else. I live in South America and seems like dog training downhere and the views on what dogs are like for most parts is old school principles.
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts Fabulous! Really excited to see how things go. [quote author=andreasjuuls link=topic=9367.msg134556#msg134556 date=1420378898] Probably he is sleeping in my bed after 3 days and guarding it :-[ [/quote] ;D ;D
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts Think you've have got it well covered, Andreas. Sounds to me like you have a good understanding of the principles of training and of how to apply them. Your plans for what to train initially sound good to me too. You are very well prepared. The only thing I'd possibly consider not doing is using a word for 'no, you did not get it right'. I wouldn't use such a word in training. If you are training, and your dog doesn't offer the behaviour you want, say nothing and just don't give a reward. That is enough communication for the dog. Let the dog have another try at getting you to 'pay up'. And think about how you might make it easier or more motivating for your dog, if you need to. The reality will of course be a bit more chaotic than the plan on paper, but I think you will overcome any challenges And don't worry - he won't be sleeping on your bed after three days. It'll take four days at least
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts [quote author=Oberon link=topic=9367.msg134724#msg134724 date=1420406705] And don't worry - he won't be sleeping on your bed after three days. It'll take four days at least [/quote] But only two to conquer the sofa! ;D ;D ;D
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts [quote author=andreasjuuls link=topic=9367.msg134667#msg134667 date=1420399476] Where did you set up that training log? Sounds like a great idea. [/quote] Just in the "Labrador training" section. Here it is: http://www.thelabradorforum.com/index.php?topic=8386.0
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=9367.msg134808#msg134808 date=1420446929] [quote author=andreasjuuls link=topic=9367.msg134667#msg134667 date=1420399476] Where did you set up that training log? Sounds like a great idea. [/quote] Just in the "Labrador training" section. Here it is: http://www.thelabradorforum.com/index.php?topic=8386.0 [/quote] Very inspiring and also a very good read. Only made it to page 2 so far. So excited, this is the last week of 'before louis'
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts [quote author=andreasjuuls link=topic=9367.msg134848#msg134848 date=1420455208] Very inspiring and also a very good read. Only made it to page 2 so far. So excited, this is the last week of 'before louis' [/quote] Sorry, I do tend to go on a bit I can't wait to hear all about your exploits with him. You sound so organised, I'm sure you'll love training him and working both your brains! I'm sure you already know, but I don't think you mentioned it, so I will - they get tired out by mental stimulation, such as training, very quickly, so keep your sessions super short to begin with. At first, mine were anything from 30s to a couple of minutes long each time, a few times a day. Even now, at 5 months, our "formal" training sessions are only about 5 minutes. Of course, we do extra stuff on walks - heel work, proofing existing commands etc - but this is just "built in" to the walk and they (usually) get to run around between times.
Re: Training principles, approach and plan for my puppy -- appreciate your thoughts [/quote] "Sorry, I do tend to go on a bit I can't wait to hear all about your exploits with him. You sound so organised, I'm sure you'll love training him and working both your brains! I'm sure you already know, but I don't think you mentioned it, so I will - they get tired out by mental stimulation, such as training, very quickly, so keep your sessions super short to begin with. At first, mine were anything from 30s to a couple of minutes long each time, a few times a day. Even now, at 5 months, our "formal" training sessions are only about 5 minutes. Of course, we do extra stuff on walks - heel work, proofing existing commands etc - but this is just "built in" to the walk and they (usually) get to run around between times." [/quote] I've just watched your you tube video, it's great! I probably should have had Bella's crate in the living room for a while rather than the kitchen but didn't want to confuse her. She's just let me shut her in it now, first ever time during the day!!! But she's tired I'm going out shortly so I've got 3 frozen Kongs at the ready! I've also been thinking I'm probably not making the toilet training any easier for myself as she's got half the kitchen so she's going to toilet when I go out, but I can't bring myself to have her shut in it during day and night so if it takes a little longer than I can accept that : I still feel 2 hrs is too long for her to be crated at a time but that's just me so I'll carry on with the current plan.
