Getting a new puppy soon - any book/website recommendations for training?

[766j]

I'm getting a new puppy soon and I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it as I remember the puppy stage before. It was 11 years ago now but I remember finding all of the conflicting information overwhelming. My dog ended up turning out to be quite reactive with other dogs and men, and I think deep down I blame myself and feel like I failed my dog... I worry that I don't want to 'ruin' another dog.

I plan to join some local puppy classes this time, and take the puppy out in my arms to shops, the high street, the woods, the dog park, etc early on, before its vaccines, so it gets exposed to a wide range of stimuli.

I really like Pippa Mattinson's Happy Puppy Handbook

Personally, I think https://www.youtube.com/@willathertoncaninetraining/videos is really good. If you don't want to follow the link; Will Atherton Canine.

Some of his stuff is a bit 'bleugh' but when it comes to recall, loose-leash walking, crate training and generally raising a well-behaved dog, he has it right.

I'd also say try not to be too hard on yourself. Some dogs are just difficult and even the perfect owner can't fix them.

What breed are you getting?

Dogs Trust has some good videos.
For a book I recommend Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy.
If you stick with books by/ trainers who are members of an organisation like the APDT then you shouldn't get any conflicting advice. Good luck and enjoy your puppy.

And she does a great book on recall.

Susan Garrett's videos and podcast are really really good, it's 100% positive reinforcement.

Dog training advice and support on FB. They also have this book. https://amzn.eu/d/fNW1tG8
Run a mile from anyone who talks about dominance or pack theory.

Seconding the dog training advice and support Facebook page - run by behaviourists and trainers and commenting is strictly limited to admins so you don't get a load of crappy conflicting advice. There is also a book you can buy from Amazon.

Pippa Mattinson Total Recall is a fantastic book. I followed it to the letter with my Spaniel and I can recall him away from ducks, sheep etc. He has never not responded instantly to a whistle ever since we followed it.

Some good suggestions here OP.

My contribution from our baptism of fire experience is while books and YouTube etc can be very useful try not to get too disheartened if you're not hitting the milestones they suggest or find your pooch is absolutely determined to do their own thing.

I read and googled the shit out of what to expect, what to do and not to do. In particular with biting we have an adorable but absolutely savage at times, border terrier, now 15 weeks old. No amount of distraction with toys or time outs or enforced naps seems to help and he's been like this consistently since the second week home so I'm not convinced he's teething (plus if he was why is my toe or arm so satisfying?! chew the toy you little bugger!). I've been getting incredibly stressed about it (I know, all the books say don't get stressed as they sense it yada yada but when you are exhausted it's hard not to) but since I stepped away from the books and reminders of where we're failing it feels slightly less relentless.

The following style of clothing may be helpful -

Thank you everyone! I've ordered the Happy Puppy Handbook and have joined the Facebook group. :) I'll also check out the Youtube channel today too.

One thing I would make sure you do in the socialisation window is get puppy into as many places as possible. Take it to the station, on a train, to the pub, on a bus, etc etc. Not all on the same day of course, but socialisation isn't just about meeting other dogs, it's about exposing it to new things while it is curious and not especially fearful.