Quote Originally Posted by Monty's_Mom View Post
A breeder that keeps a puppy until it is 9-10 weeks is a good breeder. They learn a lot from the dam and the siblings in that week or two. As for obedience, right away!!! lol. The only difference is how long the training sessions are and that it is more play for the puppy than anything negative. You see the puppy about to sit, say "sit". Every time you put the puppy in the crate, say crate or place or kennel. Gentle voice and hands can teach a lot in minutes. The more formal training is to reinforce commands when there are distractions. Begin as you intend to live with the puppy until it dies of old age. Training times is just like age/crate times but it is in minutes and not hours. 2 months old, 2 minutes tops and the puppy considers it playtime more than formal training. 1 or 2 minute sessions 5 or 6 or 10 times a day after naps and exercise is better than one 10 minute session for a puppy.

Every interaction with a puppy is training IMO. Basic commands such as sit/stay can be used for everything. Feeding time at the zoo? Have the food ready in the bowl on the counter and use sit until the bowl is on the floor and ALWAYS have a release command. As the pup gets older and has the focus to stay sitting, use the sit command earlier, such as when you are getting the food out of the container. I don't suggest using "okay", its too easy for a person to say it and not mean it as a command. I use "Alright." because I don't say it often but its still easy to think and say. Every time you walk out a door with the puppy, the bathroom door, the bedroom door, outside door, say sit, walk through then alright command. Helps with dominance and I hate a dog that lunges out the door. Do this from the first day and every day, it won't become a problem. Same for putting on the leash.

It is ALWAYS easier to train then slacken off as they get older compared to trying to train an older pup. When they are 1-2 years is when you will want to shave your hair off so you aren't pulling it out. Train them when they still love and adore you lol. Use the fact they believe the sun rises and sets on your butt ruthlessly but gently.
Okay, I'll try looking for breeders that keep the puppies for that long. Haha, I'll do that! I was told before to take them to a group training session first then get a private trainer after the training there has ended. Do you think that is right? Also, how much money usually goes in training? Gotcha, I can picture myself following the puppy everywhere and saying something to it whenever it sits or lays down haha.

That makes sense, I'll try to think of some command words in the meantime! And that would be great to have the dog do that for every room and such. Can't wait to see what my training will result it. Would you recommend gently pushing the pups bottom down to teach them sit better? I heard some people do that. Do you also train them to walk next to you instead of in front of you? I'd love to walk the dog in some places without a leash.

Haha, I definitely will train them younger on. Do you think they'll be properly trained by one year old if done everything correctly or will it take a bit more time?