Training Forum
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Member Posts: 1 |
I'm going to pick up my first puppy next weekend. He's a working cocker, bred from a field trial champion. I don't know anything about field trials, I'm afraid -- he's probably simply going to be an adored family pet -- but it may be something we work towards later. I'll be starting WBGC classes with him as soon as he's vaccinated, but would love any advice on the very basics ('toilet training' or whatever the doggy term is  , how soon he should have a collar, the best way to settle him for the first few nights, etc). There's an overwhelming amount of conflicting advice out there, so since the calmest and best behaved dog I know was trained with WBGC, I thought this would be the best place to start!
If you have any tried and tested tips, please pass them on -- nothing is too obvious or too patronising!
Best,
Kate
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Member Posts: 68 |
Hi Kate, In terms of the very basics, we had Dr Ian Dunbar's book 'Before & After Getting Your Puppy .. A positive approach to raising a happy, healthy & well-behaved dog'. His toilet training system was a godsend as when we got Archie as a 3 month + rescue pup, he had no idea at all & it was a real battle until we came across Dr Dunbars system. He'd been allowed to wee & poo where & whenever he felt like it. We called him the 'Stealth Poo'er' ... Lots of sensible info re the basics i.e. toilet training, bringing a pup home & settling him in, crating, basic manners, household etiquette, bite inhibition, socialization etc. Obviously, if you are going to train him to work you'll need to adhere to some important rules related to the fact he's a Gundog Breed very early on. This'll get you going. I'm sure others will come along with further advide too | |
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-- Laurie
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Member Posts: 17 |
Hi there, I would also recommend The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey. It was certainly a bible for me in the early days of puppydom and very easy to read too. Good luck with your new addition. | |
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