picking up our 9 week old border collie pup next weekend....

[Moonandstarsandback]

Our 14 year old collie died nearly a year ago today and we are now ready for another dog as our house/family doesn't feel right without one

With my last dog I didn't read any books and just did what came naturally. I was lucky, he was an amazing, lovely and well behaved dog. However, this time I'm not feeling so confident and wondered if anyone had any recommendations of training/puppy books - I am very into gentle kinds of training. Think attachment parenting for dogs

Also, we are driving quite a way to pick him up, any advice on what to take with us? And what do I definitely need for our return?!!! My last pup had newspaper on bin bags to pee on indoors whilst training, but think there are now puppy pads!!!

Any tips or advice is very appreciated

[Cheerfulmarybrown]

You could get Pup to Perfection DVD from Lauren and Tom to get you started if Devon is too far to go.


Also Barkzone is a great place in Southampton for training enjoy your new puppy

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Yes I've had my eye on that DVD for a while.

Thing is I'm a more than competent trainer but some people just have that extra something that makes you want to delve into their brain for just a minute, to soak all their ideas up!

Absolute Dogs, Emily Larlham, Susan Garrett (although I find SG slightly grabby - she doesn't do nothing for nothing that's for sure! And I don't like the "infomercial" style of her videos) - so many excellent trainers and not enough time! 😄

Not keen on Victoria Stilwell; although she has got up to speed with modern, non-aversive techniques in recent years I've never seen her particularly connecting with a dog. She's oddly stilted in the training demos I've seen, including a very amateurish demo of how to use a clicker. Dire. You just get the feeling she might know what to say but give her a dog and shed struggle to train it.

[Cheerfulmarybrown]

If you are a competent trainer and have done or seen some of 360 you will not find anything new in Pup2perfection. I agree about Susan Garrett and think that Lauren has to be a bit careful too as she is using a similar marketing approach. You contact her once and then will get 100's of lets be awesome type emails . Also agree about Victoria Stillwell not a natural trainer and still stuck in the dark with some of her ideas.

Have you done anything with Steve Mann or Nando Brown - they are always good courses and even if an experienced trainer you usually come away with new ideas and different ways to train.

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Haven't done any of 360. Her courses are so expensive 😟

Yeah I like Nando and Steve and the whole IMDT approach!

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Re: Victoria Stilwell I saw a short video of her explaining how to teach "Take it/ leave it" - very awkward and clumsy and there are far easier ways to teach it!

[DartmoorDoughnut]

I've got pup to perfection if you'd like to borrow it just message me

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Oh Dartmoor I'd love to borrow it!! 😄

[hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman]

You can't go wrong with a border collie! Our Mollie is 19 months old and such a clever, funny, feisty girl, she's quick to learn and far too bloody intelligent.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Hell, she's adorable. Absolutely gorgeous and cute as ever! Love her sheep toy

Do any of the fab people you've all mentions who are into gentle dog training have books? I'd quite like a book to flick through in addition to websites and FB support sites, as easier to look at sometimes

I bought a bed today and a lead! Bowls and a couple of toys so excited. Another photo to keep me going....

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson should be compulsory reading for all dog owners imo.

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Also Karen Pryor for clicker training stuff.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Thanks rabbit...just ordered culture clash, clicker training book and a clicker! Not used one before, so all new to me

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Whereabouts are you?

[Moonandstarsandback]

I'm in Sussex!

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Oh, of course you are. Too far away for a cuddle while I wait for mine 😟
Anyway there are loads of clicker tutorials on YouTube- kikopup is especially good. Avoid Victoria Stilwell when it comes to clickers though!!😄

[Moonandstarsandback]

Fab. Will look up kikopup! Thank you! Shame you're not closer! I can't wait til Sunday. I'm stupidly excited like a BIG kid!

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

There's nothing stupid about it! 😄😄😄

[Moonandstarsandback]

You're right!!!

[Moonandstarsandback]

Dixie - do you have a dog?

I can't wait!! It's getting closer!!!!

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

Not long now, Moon!! 😄

[Moonandstarsandback]

Sounds like a good idea Dixie, but can imagine it feels ages away!!! My son (5, also asd!) told me last night he doesn't want a dog, he wants a bird ) I am a little worried but hoping it will be lovely for us ALL.

[Moonandstarsandback]

Rabbit...2 more sleeps

[ThatsNotMyRabbit]

I've actually got butterflies for you!! 😊 😄