Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Best training resources

4 replies

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 06/12/2020 08:32

I posted on here a little while ago about a way to persuade my DH that a dog is a good idea and was told that he needed to be fully on board. He wasn't and so I put my dog ownership dreams to one side.

However, two weeks ago I was diagnosed with MS. I am well at the moment, only having some issues with my eyes. However, obviously the future is now much more uncertain than it was last month.

DH now thinks a dog is a great idea for us. At the moment I am very active and can run half marathons etc. I want to keep up this level of fitness for as long as I can, since everything I have read suggests that keeping fit helps to keep symptoms at bay. We think having a dog will force me up and out on days where I feel sorry for myself and less motivated to run or walk.

Obviously it's quite important that we have a dog that is easy to train and wants to be out and doing. We are thinking of a cocker spaniel. There is usually someone at home, and we have several options for daycare on the days where we would have to leave DDog.

Where do I start with learning about training? DDog has not even been conceived yet, we are on a waiting list for a reputable breeder who I know personally, so I have plenty of time to prepare.

Thanks.

OP posts:
FoamRoller · 06/12/2020 08:38

I'd start with a general catch all book that will give you a good basic understanding which you can then leapfrog onto other resources. For pups I would say Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy is a good start.

You want to look for training that's talking about positive reinforcement, clickers and treats. Good YouTube channels are KikoPup (she's just got a new pup so doing lots of puppy focused videos) and Domesticated manners (Chirag Patel - he's no TV personality but is an awesome trainer). Dogs Trust has lots of videos on how to teach specific behaviours.

Be careful going down YouTube rabbit holes, there's an awful load of rubbish out there, dog training is an unregulated industry so anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. When looking for classes look for APDT registered trainers ☺️

FluffySunshineBunny · 06/12/2020 08:40

There's a great Facebook group called Dog Training Advice and Support and they have a pre puppy group plus lots and lots of information.

But also it's never too soon to find a trainer you like. My trainer does pre puppy sessions and helps owners-to be to find breeders and choose puppies and then holds your hand during the puppy blues and works to set you up. I wish I'd known her when we got our puppy. I made lots of mistakes at the start of dog ownership and I wish I'd known our trainer back then. Our dog might have gotten through teenage hood less reactive rather than developing issues I didn't know how to deal it.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 06/12/2020 13:12

There are some great books out there eg Total Recall.

Also what breed? I would 100% recommend gundog training for any working line spaniel, Lab, or HPR.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 06/12/2020 15:39

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

There are some great books out there eg Total Recall.

Also what breed? I would 100% recommend gundog training for any working line spaniel, Lab, or HPR.

A working cocker spaniel.
OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page