Training a Very Excitable Puppy!

[serenamlambe]

I'm not having any problems yet, as we're just starting to get into the training, but I am just wondering if anyone has any tips for me training my new puppy. I'll explain a little about what I'm looking for suggestions about....

Keely is my second puppy and so I'm not completely new to dog training, but she's so different than Connor was!

When I got Connor, he was ten weeks. He had been mistreated and was feeling pretty miserable overall, due to worms, kennel cough, digestion problems, etc. He was quiet, withdrawn, afraid of pretty much everything... he wasn't a rescue technically, but he should have been!

Overall, he has been very calm since I got him. He still plays, don't get me wrong, but he is generally a calm dog. It was easy to get him to stand in front of me to practice sitting, laying down, etc.

Keely, on the other hand, is so different. She never stops, except when she's sleeping. She's running around, chewing on everything, so curious, not afraid of anything. Loud noises don't even startle her, for the most part. I'm not complaining! I think this is wonderful for a puppy... but here is the problem. How do I calm her down to make her sit? Hahah.

She pretty much knows her name now and comes when called, mostly. We have only practised in our apartment, but she is doing well, I think, for 7 weeks.

We're starting a training class in a couple of weeks, but I want to get a little head start. Any tips for teaching her to sit/lay down?

I have tried giving the command, showing her how to sit, giving her a treat... the same way I taught it to Connor. But when she smells the treat, she's like a chicken pecking for grain! Hahah. How do I get her to calm down and stop wiggling? Hahaha.

.... I have tried to do this training after she has played with Connor & I figure she's tired.

[luckypenny]

Here's a video you'll find helpful when teaching a "sit" and "down." http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup?...97/7NHqAW66-gE

And on teaching your dog her name. If I'm alone and working with a single puppy, I would throw a treat a few feet away and let the puppy go get it. As soon as she/he has eaten it, I call her name...if she looks up or comes to me, I say "yes" (or click if using a clicker), toss another treat (always away from me as I want them to turn around to face me as I call their name again). If you have someone who can help, place yourselves 5-10 feet apart. Take turns calling her name and treat her when she arrives. Increase the distance between yourselves gradually until you can even play hide and seek.

http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup?...16/KwPPIxC0J5s


Have you already chosen the training center you'll be taking her to?

[serenamlambe]

Thanks for the videos, I'll have a look at those tomorrow!

We're taking her to PetSmart training classes.

We looked into others but, unfortunately, that's the only place near enough for us to walk to the training classes. Buses in Ottawa do not allow dogs and we don't have a car.

[luckypenny]

Just make sure it's very gentle training ok ? She's still an awfully young girl and you want to start her off on the right paw .

[serenamlambe]

Of course! That's why I'm asking for advice - I don't want to be forcing her into postions or frightening her into anything!

[Floppy Dog]

Have you got a copy of Kilcommons book "Good Owners Great Dogs"? It was (and still is) my go-to manual for training issues.