What are some good books on training? Its been a long time since I had a puppy. I just read most of the "puppies for dummies" book. seems ok, not great. As far as potty training, I'm going with crate training. I was hoping for a bit more detail and guidance than was presented in the "dummies" book. The Books by the Monks of New Skete have been recommended to me, just got the "puppy" one but haven't started it yet. I remember a million years ago I had a video from a guy named Dikeman, I believe? Can't remember if he was any good or not. Anyone remember those videos? Anyone have any good training videos that they are finished with? Perhaps I could purchase them? thanks all!
if you have the money, invest a couple hundred in a trainer. one of my relatives trained dogs for shows...we couldn't get our golden to lay down for anything, and she had her throwing herself at the ground in 5 mins. a few training sessions can really pay off in the long run.
"Puppy School" by Maggie Holt and Stella Sweeting. Crate training is the best, IMO. The key to this, is letting your pup cry it out, WITHOUT picking them up. They will settle down eventually, and realize that their crate is their den. It makes potty training easier, because dogs don't want to mess in their den. Good luck.
Monks is an excellent book. here is a link for "Uncle Matty" Mathew Margolis. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D0316790125/superdogpetdogtrA/104-5012828-6396753 This guy is one of the best out there today and he did a TV show about 5-6 years ago. You might find them somewhere on the net. I remember the Dikeman video, forgetaboutit!! He was a gimick trainer thats why he didn't last.
scowan007, got to thinking about it and Ender is 100% correct. read the books, bond with the pup and when he/she is 12weeks old bring on the trainer. the reason I say 12 weeks is dogs go thru a "critcal age of socialization" from 6-12 weeks. In this time it is vital the dog be made to experience everything in your house that makes noise, family that comes over regularly, etc. This is the most important time of your dogs life and anything that imprints on your pup will be with it for life!!
also meant to mention...(above post made me remember). socialize your dog from very young with as many other dogs and people as possible. i did that with my shepherd and she loves other people and animals. my aunt didn't socialize her with other dogs and she goes a bit nuts when she sees them sometimes. of course, not all breeds need to be well socialized to love other animals and people...yours may or may not fit it
Thanks for the great responses! Ender, I intend on getting this dog VERY well socialized. His daddy weighs around 140 IIRC. I don't want 140 lbs of anti-social!!. This breed has the reputation of being very mellow and well-mannered, but protective of family.
damn...140 lbs!!! you better train him that he ain't a lap dog either! when my 65 lber jumps into my lap i have to cover up...can't imagine 2 1/2 times that! good luck with him...sounds like a great pet!
my "little" buddy that I just lost was round about 150lbs of lap dog. I have pretty much given up on the idea of ever having children.;P
haha...very nice! for a while i wanted a shiloh shepherd (cross between great malamute and GSD...they get to be around 120. then i got my pup, and realized i could never get an animal except from the pound...well, that and 65-70 lbs is plenty big for me!
