Obedience Training

[OliveOil]

I've started to try and start more formal training with my pup since she's 4 months old now (ah they grow so fast :) and I've been running into small problems.
I can get her to sit, lay down and stay for a very short period of time, but she gets bored so quickly I can't seem to move past that to frame out more difficult stuff. She's too smart for her own good--do you think that an obedience class would work better?
Just looking for some opinions from people who've been there before. I've trained my other dog (he's a terrier); took him through all of the classes so I know how to do everything--I'm just wondering how much of it is the experience of actually being in the class...

[Sue J]

Our girl got bored real quick with things too so I had to do different things besides just drill. Members here encouraged me to move on to something else once she got it. I still did the basics but added things each time. I noticed that she did better when I moved to something then went back to basics for a short "review". On top of treats, she got the reward of doing something new. You probably already know but remember the sessions have to be fun and she should get lots of praise for doing anything at all right even if it's only for a little while. I'm glad I did the obedience class too because it helped having someone critique me. I think the socialization of a class is important for a puppy and you should go for it if you can.

[RKCM]

Good post Sue. I so agree obedience classes should be fun. The dogs love the socialization and it's so good for them. I would work at home until she is
about 6 months but that's my preference. Those of you with experience in competition, do you agree with this?

[Big Dogs]

Sue is right an obedience class even for socialization is never a bad thing and there are little things that an instructor can show you that you may never have seen the first time you went through obedience class. Here are a couple of things to remember at this age everything is a distraction there attention span is short and when you are asking her to stay for any length of time it is one of the hardest things for them to do at this age, they want to move all the time. At this age it is better to train for short periods of time 2 or 3 times a day then 1 longer session she will get more out of it and you and her will be less frustrated. One other thing to remember is every dog is different the problems your terrier gave you during training are probably going to be different than your dobes so if you feel that you are making little or no headway I would seek out a trainer or class. I was just wondering what you meant by more formal stuff?

[Dobs4ever]

Puppies have a very short attention span. I don't even start stay until they are 6 months old and I have a little more dog to work with. By working the sit, down, stand and heel - the moving things I can add the other easier a little later in the program. Training also helps to develop focus. Be patient = don't rush it will come.

I have worked a dog before and thought I had hit a brick wall. It sometimes just goes that way until I figure out how to communicate it to this particular dog - they are all different. then suddenly one day the dog just had it.

[OliveOil]

Well, for me more "formal" stuff is getting into position, heeling, and standing. We're not planning on competition stuff so this is just something new to keep her thinking.

I've been trying the shorter sessions several times a day and that seems to work better. I can definitely tell when she's had enough though because she lays down on the floor and no amount of coaxing with treats or toys will make her get up :) haha

I'm glad to hear that it's still a little early yet. In that case she seems to be doing just fine!