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Can you recommend a good puppy training book?

13 replies

clapton · 28/08/2007 10:37

We've recently acquired a puppy, he is 10 weeks old and we are now keen to start training him.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a book to me?

Thanks very much

OP posts:
LittleB · 28/08/2007 12:40

'The Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey. Was recommeneded to me by friends and by a breeder and I've found it very helpful. What sort of puppy have you got? Mines a 6mth Toller boy.

Doodledootoo · 28/08/2007 12:43

Message withdrawn

BernieBear · 28/08/2007 13:06

Aaaaah Doodledootoo we meet again I too am a border terrier owner (10 weeks) and have been using the Victoria Stilwell book. It is very good. Have also joined a puppy training class and Ralphie now does sit, lie down, come, fetch and watch (for attention)....well alright 85% of the time

Again agree with Doodledootoo get the basics down pat and you will have a happy dog!

Good luck - what sort of puppy do you have?

clapton · 28/08/2007 15:02

We have a Parson Russell Terrier. The same kind as Rick Stein's beloved Chalky.

He's called Monty and is lovely in nature, just starting to get a bit lively with the kids, jumping up and nipping etc.

Thanks for the tips, will certainly look into it. I have also considered classes? How are you finding yours?

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clapton · 28/08/2007 15:03

BB Border Terriers are lovely, my in laws have one. They have a lovely nature and are very durable dogs.

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lucyellensmum · 28/08/2007 15:30

I have a border terrier x patterdale (or maybe J R) HE is a little demon, a one dog destruction zone, but i will forgive him anything as he is so good with my DD. He has the patience of a saint. Constant snogs and cuddles, with tongues (yuck). He is about 20 weeks and he has a good sit and OK recall, he is off lead a lot and hasnt been too much of a problem. He will also leave anything the minute you tell him (how weird is that!!!)

He will go through a biting stage with everyone, it is how they learn something called bite inhibition, basically one day he is going to nip too hard and the nipee will holler and let him know. But just as long as you make it clear it is not really ok but feigning pain when he bites you he will soon get out of it. Other than that just put him down and ignore him when he gets too much. I dont think there is anything more effective that ignoring a dog to modifiy its behaviour in a positive way.

I would consider cage training too, ours has a cage and it has been a godsend with toilet training and generally somewhere to chuck him when he gets too much. These dogs are terriers and to be fair i dont think they have an off switch Also, they are BRAVE and will always come back so i would not recommend rough play either, tempting as it is.

Socialisation with other dogs is really important too, nothing worse than a dog you cant let off the lead because he tries to eat everything from chihuahua to rotweiller. Your local vets may offer a puppy socialisation course, usually free, we do one where i work and it is great fun and informative too as the nurse will take one aspect of husbandry and training each week and give a talk and demonstration.

I am SUCH a jack russel/terrier convert, i used to hate them until i worked at the vets thought they were snappy little gits, now i see them for the fantastic characters that they are. I love my little puppy, he keeps me sane But i have seen some nasty little bastards too, you have to be the boss!!!

Mum2Lucas · 28/08/2007 15:48

I have the 'perfect puppy' book and I'm having a clear out. If you want to pay the postage I'll send it to you.

Mum2Lucas · 28/08/2007 15:51

Forgot to say, we had 2 Glen of Imaal Terriers who were very stubborn and proving difficult to walk as they were almost pulling me over. We got BarkBusters involved and sorted the problem, took a lot of hard work and commitment though, they're very stubborn dogs. You pay a one-off fee to barkbusters and they come out as many times as you need them, for whatever the reason, for the life of the dog.

lucyellensmum · 28/08/2007 15:53

glen of imal terriers? oh do add a pic, not heard of those.

clapton · 28/08/2007 16:38

Thank you all for the advice.

LEM we have a cage for him and I think they are worth their weight in gold.

Mum2Lucas that is really kind of you, yes I'll pay the postage.

He only seems to nip my DS I think its because he gets him excited when they are playing???

I'm sure we'll get there. Just want to put the hard work in so we can enjoy him.

OP posts:
BernieBear · 28/08/2007 21:25

clapton - the classes are great. They teach you what to do with training, but also give the puppy a chance to meet other pups and learn how to meet other dogs properly, hopefully allaying any probs when eventually out on their walks i.e. socialization.

As a single mum it also means I actually get see there is life after 7pm once a week!

The nipping gradually wears off especially when they start mixing with other dogs (or so I am told)

Have also cage trained - it is a life saver!

Doodledootoo · 28/08/2007 22:56

Message withdrawn

Mum2Lucas · 30/08/2007 16:19

Hi,
Clapton, if you send your postal address to me at [email protected] I'll send the book to you.
I'd love to post a photo of the glens, they're incredibly cute, but can't figure out how - HELP!

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