[willatat2]

Hi All!
I am new to the list- I have a just 4 month old girl Basset named Miz RubyRue. Since I am NOT a Basset "slave" but an owner & have always had well behaved dogs I wondered when I could start & HOW I should start with Miz Ruby. She is doing very well on basic manners- housetraining, no biting, staying down, not rushing the door etc. I think she has a terrier mind in that Basset body & if I don't keep her busy she will find something to do & it is always trouble... I would love to do rally or obedience. I know she is probably too young to start officially but what can I do that is fun for her & will help her get ready?

 

[shallhb]

Our area has puppy training classes, and they accept pups as young as 4 months. There's also a good book on puppy training for performance dogs by Bobbie Anderson you might want to check out. I can't recall the title, but I suspect an internet search using her name would find it for you. If it doesn't, and you want to buy it, email me privately, and I'll search around and see if I can find mine and get you the correct title.

Sharon Hall

 

[willatat2]

Thanks- I found it! "Building Blocks For Performance"- It looks great & will give us some fun stuff to do-

 

[lala]

We started Ernest in puppy classes at the beginning of June. He graduated and is now doing a puppy manners class.

He has a long way to go before graduation, but I say the earlier, the better.

lala

 

[willatat2]

Miz Ruby & I are goin to Petsmart tonight for a new collar (she is growing like a weed!) and we will sign up for a puppy class-
:idea:

 

[shallhb]

YOu may also want to check out your local obedience training club. Usually, they have experienced trainers who can get you started on the right foot for Rally and Obedience early. OFten, they are listed in the yellow pages under dog training, but if they aren't, try googling dog training and your city name and see if you can find one.
Sharon Hall

 

[willatat2]

Thanks! lucky for us Ruby & I ran into a Bassett & person when we were at Petsmart who were doing obedience & told us that the next town over's Rec Dept had obedience & rally training! Basset folks seem to be so nice & HELPFUL!

 

[Mikey T]

FWIW I started formal obedience training with toughy when he was 14 weeks old. He was by far the easiest to train. Never had to teach an Automatic sit, cuz at that age as soon as you stop he sat on his own, just reinforced that behavior and voila. Heck he was on of a few basset that actual heeled better off lead than on.


It is important to keep any physical activity age appropriate. You would not want to start a heavy regimine of jumping or other stressfull activity until the growth plates close. The also go's for the equipment you choose to train with. Personnal I would be reluctant to use a tradditional choke collar on a puppy for fear of possible damage to the thorax. There are alternatives like flat buckle collar, head halters, harness of various types each with there own strengths and drawbacks if used immproperly could cause harm. Investigate your choice an learn how to use a training tool properly which will greatly reduce the risk of injury.

 

[Barbara Winters]

I wouldn't hesitate to bring an 8 week old puppy to puppy classes. I got Roady at 8 weeks on a Friday and Sunday he was out there with a class, mostly meeting people and other dogs. Not just any class-this trainer's family has been in business over 50 years and are well known in the area. Her place is immaculate, cleaned with bacterial/virus killing products between classes. Everyone shows proof of vaccinations. The trainer goes to the same vet as I do so a good share of those that attend are veterinarian referred. The place is rather small and a zoo sometimes but perfect for introductory socialization to people and other dogs.

I used to wait until 12 weeks but feel getting the pup out there asap is worth the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. But I certainly would check out the training facility/instructor ahead of time.