Training before having a Pup?

[Mikey27X834]

Hey, I just wanted to know wether it would be useful or not to start training before I have a Pup? What I mean is, would it help to practice using a stuffed toy Dog?

Has anyone ever done this before? If so how did it go when it came to real training?

Cheers. :)

[gaddylovesdogs]

My dogs are all "hometrained" and I never did that before I got them, everything has turned out well. Maybe you could watch a few training classes?

It's an interesting idea though.

[Mikey27X834]

I came up with the idea from when people use dolls to practice with when preparing for a baby. :) I'm probably gonna go observe at some sort of training school, but will do this for practice. :D I also wanna get used to having to get up at strange hours of the night to attend to a puppy.

[Doberluv]

Hey! Why not? Sounds like you've got a great intellectual curiosity and are wisely preparing for a puppy. That's terrific! I might add that you read a lot about training. You can look up operant conditioning online and read about it. It's very, very interesting and IMO the most effective way for an animal to learn.

With a stuffed animal, you could (if you're going to clicker train for example) pretend that you are luring him into a sit by holding a treat over his head just a little and back until he plops down into a sit. The very instant his little furry butt hits the ground, you click and treat/praise. Timing is EVERYTHING in training a dog. And sometimes it can get a little confusing or you get uncoordinated holding a leash, treats a clicker, remembering to praise in a timely fashion. So....practice with a stuffed animal would be a great way to get use to manuvering your hands, a leash and just going through things in your mind.

Sounds like you're on the right track in preperation for a pup. Good luck.

[Suni212]

sounds cute... but can u really practice everything with a stuffed animal... hehe... what kind of puppy are you getting?

[Mikey27X834]

I'm getting a Miniature Schnauzer. :)

[Fran27]

You can read online for different training options, buy a book or two and look at puppy classes for sure :)

[luvmydogs]

it surely does sound interesting, but i cant imagine how that would work? id say use your friend instead of a soft toy, and make him jump, pee and poo, and act crazy around the house :p hands on training LOL. i am not making fun of you, i just dont understand how it would work...???

[Doberluv]

Well, of course the stuffed animal won't move on his own. LOL. So, you can't do everything. But yes...for sure read, read, read. And you could even find a good, reputable trainer in your area and see if you can come watch a class or two. Tell him/her that you're planning on getting a pup and will bring him to her class later, but could you watch a little first. Maybe you could find a neighbor with a dog who they don't do anything with and ask if they'd like it if you practiced some stuff in their back yard with their dog.

Here's a couple of websites I find very useful: :)

http://www.dogpatch.org/obed/obpage4.cfm

http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/dog.htm

[Mikey27X834]

it surely does sound interesting, but i cant imagine how that would work? id say use your friend instead of a soft toy, and make him jump, pee and poo, and act crazy around the house :p hands on training LOL. i am not making fun of you, i just dont understand how it would work...???

Pfft, making fun of me eh. ;) You'll be green with envy when my little Dog is the best behaved Dog there is. :D

Nah really, the reason I ask is because I think getting in to a habit of training a pretend Dog might make me more prepared when I get a real one. :)

[Doberluv]

Nah really, the reason I ask is because I think getting in to a habit of training a pretend Dog might make me more prepared when I get a real one.

I think you're on the right track with that one. Even thinking of scenarios in your mind helps. I do that all the time. If my dog does this, what can I do? How can I go about getting him to understand such and such? But I cannot emphasise enough the great help lots of reading can be, as long as it's good, positive stuff.

[Mordy]

Mikey, please get the book Before You Get Your Puppy (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1888047003/002-4803747-2820054)by Ian Dunbar.

I really think it would be a great resource for you so you can prepare for the day your puppy comes home.

[BigDog2191]

Hey, I just wanted to know wether it would be useful or not to start training before I have a Pup? What I mean is, would it help to practice using a stuffed toy Dog?

Has anyone ever done this before? If so how did it go when it came to real training?

Cheers. :)

Well, with a fake dog... I mean, you have power over him to obey you, he won't get distracted, want to start playing, I think you should wait for the real thing, in my opinion.

Never tried it before though... sounds like an.. interesting training method though. Maybe it DOES work.

[Mikey27X834]

Mikey, please get the book Before You Get Your Puppy (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1888047003/002-4803747-2820054)by Ian Dunbar.

I really think it would be a great resource for you so you can prepare for the day your puppy comes home.



I will be getting that book, I just want to finish reading the ones I already have first. :) I heared it's great as well. :)