Retriever Puppy Training Tips
Training Tips for Retriever PuppiesSocialization One of the main questions I get as a trainer from people I talk with is what they can do to get their puppy ready to begin formal training. The most important thing a person can do to prepare a retriever for formal training would be to socialize the puppy. Socialization covers broad spectrum of things. Take the puppy to as many different places as you possibly can. This will expose the pup to new places, new things, new smells, new dogs, etc. You can also take puppy to training sessions in the field with other dogs and trainers. This will expose the puppy to the sights and sounds they will encounter when formal training begins, such as gun shots, ducks, (other birds), and other things associated with training.
Swimming Another thing that is really important to do with your new pup is to teach it to love the water. The best way to do this is during warm months. Take the pup on leash to a mud puddle or any shallow body of water you can walk in with the pup on leash. Remember that the depth of the water should be shallow enough so the puppy can walk in and not have to swim. If the pup is reluctant to enter try to entice the pup in the water by using praise. If you walk in yourself the pup will feel safer when they are right beside you. In time you?ll find that the pup will seek the water out and get into the water by themselves. If you get your pup during cold winter months use a bath tub with warm water to let the pup play and get a bath, but as soon as the weather permits get the pup outside and into the water.
GG & Josh playing in the water.
GG getting used to being in the water.
GG inspecting the shore for anything worth retrieving.
Ground Rules Teach you new puppy the word NO. No is a universal command that means stop what you are doing right now. If your pup puts its self into a dangerous situation use the word NO loudly and firmly to get your pups attention and then remove the pup from the area and get them interested in doing something else. This will help you and or your trainer set the ground rules for being a well mannered retriever.
Simple Obedience You can begin to teach your pup simple obedience commands with the use of treats as a reward. Commands such as sit, stay, & here. Remember that if the pup does these commands reward them immediately. If they fail do not punish them just simply ignore them until they comply. You have to show the pup exactly what you want from them before you can start training a certain command. Example would be the sit command. Take your pup and put them on a leash. Simply pull up on the leash apply pressure to the pups head and neck area and say sit. Remember do not choke the pup. Keep this pressure until the pup gives up and sits. As soon as they sit reward them with lots of praise and a treat. From about 6 weeks old until 6 months of age everything should be fun and games. Retrievers need a child hood to.
Puppy Retrieves I like to teach my puppies to retrieve by starting as soon as I get them home at six to seven weeks of age. I start out with an old pair of white socks. I take the pup to a hall way and close all the doors to all the joining rooms. This will keep the puppy from escaping with its prize. Get the pup in front of you and take the socks and shake them so they can see them. Tease the pup with the socks and really make him/her want those socks. While you?re teasing pup every so often let the pup catch the socks and hold them in its mouth. While the pup is holding the socks give pup a lot of praise. The next step is to let the put see the socks in your hand, shake them a little to get pup?s attention and then toss them a short ways down the hall way. Don?t hold your puppy back just let them go and get the socks. Once you pup has the socks praise them wildly and encourage them to come back to you. If your puppy tries to run around you catch them and hold them while praising the pup. Don?t take the socks out of your pups mouth immediately let them hold their prize while you praise them for a while. As your puppy gets better at this game you can increase your distance and change to different locations even moving outside. You can also move from socks to small canvas puppy bumpers.
GG, ready for action
GG, fetching
GG, retrieving