If there is already a thread on this please point me in that direction.

I have a few questions about training for my puppy.
I have only ever adopted adult dogs so this is a new thing for me.
I train using Victoria Stilwell's methods as my example.

When I do training sessions with Digger I train for no more then 20 minutes at a time. He sits when I ask 75% of the time.

We start with 3 x 'sit' command, then we do 3 x 'sit' & 'hi-5' chain.
Followed by 3 x 'sit' & 'lay-down' chain. (3 x Carried out correctly, may take 5 tries or so for any given command to be preformed correctly)

Have just added 'Stay' command and 'touch' targeting command to these training sessions yesterday.

My Question is, is there a structured training schedule I should be following?
Should I only be focusing on training one command at a time until it is thoroughly learned and then move on to the next command? and if so, do a 're-cap' session (i.e. what I am currently doing) at the end of each day?

I ask this because although I have read a lot of training books, none of them have mentioned a training plan/schedule guideline. They only tell you how to teach the commands.

- I'm not sure whether what I am doing is setting him up for success or faliure.

Also how long does it usually take puppies to stop mouthing? am doing the loud 'yelp' noise and discontinuing play when it happens - but as yet it hasn't stopped completely - I have been doing this since I got him at 8 weeks old, so not sure if it is actually working or if this method just isn't for him. His current age is below on the pitapata ticker.

Thanks in Advance

Bump

I think you can do training whenever your schedule allows it. In my opinion as long as you are taking breaks in between and he seems engaged than the more you do it the better you will be. I like the idea of a recap session or just do it through out the day. If you have a treat in your hand just say "sit" and kind of do that randomly. This way he will think training is all the time and not just when you are with him and teaching him. Does that make sense?

I also liked teaching one trick at a time and then adding from there. I mean they catch on so quick that it doesn't take to long to learn one. I would maybe do sit, and like lay together but anything to complicated I would work on them individually until he knows them so it doesn't confuse him. But during those you can still say sit, or touch to kind of shake things up, but make it something he already knows and is confident with.

Also as far as the mouthing goes, continue what you are doing. Siku seriously mouthed for what seemed like months (to the point where he would make me cry, because he just didn't get it) but with constistancy one day he woke up and never did it again. 10 weeks, I would still expect him to mouth, so I think you are doing the right thing and eventually it will help!

Thank you so much for your reply!

train outside and maybe in some busier areas as well (when he has had his shots). I wish I had done this more when mine were puppies. It will save you a lot of headaches!

Yeah I have noticed that Keyto is very distracted when out on walks, but in saying that she has only ever been on walks in the past 6 months of her life (poor thing) so I suppose it is to be expected. Am now trying to teach her 'On by'

Let me know if you have any puppy tips Carissa. Your puppy is about 4 weeks older than mine. So anything that worked well in the first few weeks? Anything you wish you had done differently? Also are you using a clicker for training? I am thinking of just using a marker word.

Yup got a load of them...

1. Have a fenced secured yard before you bring a puppy/dog home. Makes toilet training Sooooo Much easier!

2.Crate training... I stuffed this up a bit... I just used the crate at night. Apparently if you use the crate in the living area's, and pop puppy in when you can't watch him, i.e. going to do the dishes, It can speed up the potty training. He is now almost 100% potty trained as I am at home with him 24/7, I just did the crate in the living area for one day to correct my mistake and he seems to have got the hint -  but he is scared of the dark I think...I have to be vigilant with him in the living area after the sun goes down as he doesn't go out on his own. This is the only time accidents may happen now. Pretty good for a husky pup at almost 11 weeks from what I have read on this site.

3. Mouthing. AS SOON AS YOU get your puppy YELP every time he mouths you - even if he hasn't hurt you.
Now, if Digger dares to mouth me it is always very gentle... I haven't had to yelp at him for a few days now and he gives kisses instead.

4. Feed your puppy by hand. Digger doesn't scoff his food in 30 seconds as he never got the chance. Has no food aggression what so ever now, and it reportedly increases your bond with your puppy. I now feed him by hand once a day, he eats out of his bowl otherwise and doesn't scoff it down.

5. Pick your puppy up often. It stops them from being afraid of heights, which is invaluable when you have to take them to the vet and put them up on a counter for examination.

6. Training - I did start out with the clicker trainer but Digger wasn't too responsive, I then discovered Victoria Stilwell's training clips on youtube, same principle as the clicker but you just use your voice... means you can train in any situation, anywhere - you aren't stuffed if you forgot your clicker. I recommend watching as many of her videos as you can now before you bring puppy home, you will feel a lot more confident about how your going to train your puppy and can get started straight away!

7. Habituation - If you have cats, don't be afraid to have puppy around... train him to 'leave' the cats from the get go whilst he is on a lead. I had 5 cats until a few days ago (Scrat has gone missing) and they all co habitate fine, without too much of a problem. Also allow the cats to teach your pup about their personal space. A tap on the nose from the cat will let them know the boundaries.

(adopted Keyto at 5 years and this is the same method I used with her. She will even sleep on the bed with them and she will clean the ones that allow her to do this.)
Keyto does play 'Chase' with the cats outside, but it is clearly a game and the cats even enjoy it. They will race to the fence and climb up, walk along it, then jump down and dash to the other side of the yard and it will go on like that for around 5 minutes til said cat gets bored, or decides licking it's bum is more fun.
(Keyto also gets more exercise this way so it's pretty good for me)

8. Chewing- buy as many chew toys as you can.. If he starts chewing something he shouldn't just take it off him and replace it with an appropriate alternative. I didnt buy enough as there were 2 toys he doesn't even touch. I had to improvise with sticks most of the time, so when digger is feeling a bit chewy on it he will wander out and find a stick 70% of the time now.

That's all I can think of for now but that's what I have learnt in a very short while, so if any of it does help, I'm glad to have been of assistance.

Anything else just ask :DHappy to share if I can