In your opinion, what should I be looking for when training a puppy?

Hi,
I'm hopefully getting a puppy very soon and want to start learning how to train it properly. Although I know there are classes I can go to, I was thinking about doing a lot of it from home. What areas must I cover and what should I look out for when buying a DVD or book?

THanks in advance!
Jon

Hello Jon welcome to Dogsey..

If I could give you one piece of advice before getting your puppy it would be to get a copy the a booklet written by two members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers ...

Puppy Survival Kit - by Lyn Fleet and Helen Roberts
from Doggames . It will get you off to a good start using positive methods of training
http://dog-games-shop.co.uk/dog-trai...vival-kit.html

Then buy a copy of 'The Culture Clash' by Jean Donaldson for more training an an insight into how dogs function.

For puppy classes check out APDT trainers in your area, your puppy really needs to meet and mix with other puppies as part of its socialisation ..
http://www.apdt.co.uk/local_dog_trainers.asp
...telephone and ask to go and sit in on a class before joining.

Training videos, the Dogs Trust have a number on their site ..
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/t/tra...s/default.aspx

See Shadowboxer's Dogsey article on puppy training..
http://www.dogsey.com/dog-articles.php?t=14526

All these recommendations have one thing in common, they use positive reinforcement training methods .

Good luck

I also like The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey.
Good luck with your new arrival

Before you get your pupppy by Ian Dunbar
After you get your puppy by Ian Dunbar
Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor

However just as important (if not more so) is the correct socialisation/habituation of puppies in order that they mature into competent and confident adults.

So look here

http://www.deesdogs.com/dogrtraining.html

under the puppy rule of twelve.

Invaluable advice and something that is often overlooked by many owners.