Am I supposed to start my new puppy’s training right from the start?!?

Hi,

yep – you’re right with starting things now 🙂  you want a recall before 16 weeks ideally, and the more basics you get in before then – the better  🙂  There are posts which explain why 🙂

Yay you for getting her to sit and retrieve 🙂  What are you rewarding her with – good girl and lots of fuss ?  hope so 🙂

i would ditch the lead and teach her to walk to heel off-lead first using treats and praise 🙂  there are posts on how to do this too 🙂  if you want to carry on with on lead like you describe – i would say “ahah” in a firm (not shouty) voice and gently retrieve the lead from her, whatever you do – dont pull back it’ll make it like a game of tuggy.  if she really bites onto the lead use a toy or treat to “swap” and praise for letting go – this will be the start of your “leaveit” i guess 🙂

hope that helps a bit – we have another black lab called izzy here so you’re in good company !

I’m sure someone else will be along soon and post some threads to start with 🙂  The behaviourist/trainer I use has gundogs (clumber spaniels if you know them) and is on holiday at the moment but is excellent – a chat and perhaps some visits from her would certainly get you and Izzy well on the way to gundog training without having to wait another 7 months or so ! 🙂  She’s on here – posts as kizkiznobite 🙂  Just to be clear – I’m certainly not saying Izzy has any “behaviour” problems – this would be pro-active visit to get you both on the right track and make sure you’re confident with her training etc .. 🙂

TBH – i am knackered and off back to bed – laters !

Claire x

mostly yep, but dont forget that some things need action to “ignore” (e.g. puppy biting – there is a good video of this somewhere of puppy cubert being taught not to bite)

claire x

p.s. now i AM going to bed !!!

Thanks for all the good advice!

Right… I’ve taken a good step foward and have signed Izzy up to the local puppy training classes… I think it’s definitely for the best – seeing as I really have no clue due to total lack of experience and am so worried about teaching her bad habbits in this very important first 14week period!

I’ll let you know how I get on – should be starting in a week or so!!!

Hmm… what is recall?? Is that coming back to me when I call her?

Ahh… Well for the past week and a half, she’s come straight back to my side when I give a row of steady whistles (the general call used when calling a gundog back)… Is that any good??

I get the feeling she’s a fast learner… Although I’m scared that it might all just be a rouse and that she’ll turn into a very disobediant “teenager”!!  :-\