Training Confusion

[Jordan Windebank]

Hi all. In preparation for my new puppy I am reading everything and anything I can find on training to ensure I get things right from day 1. I can imagine that I will be doing the majority of training with my dog but I am unsure how to bring my wife and kids in to the picture? If I trach him to sit or drop will the same verbal cues be followed as easily from someone else? Do we need to repeat the entire program with each member of the family or is there some other way I should approach this?

My number one objective is making sure that if my wife gives a command it is followed, as she is used to that in our house. ;)

[RubyBlue]

Shouldn't be too hard so long as all of your family are consistent in the re-enforcement

Most training clubs allow for dual or family membership and it might be a good idea for all of you to join and train "occasionally" so that you all family members can take some ownership of his/her training.

[Tassie]

One of the important things IMHO is to make sure that everyone is clear on what the house rules are. Sometimes people forget that this is 'training' as well as the more formal stuff - so consistency is important here too. Things like - where is the dog allowed to be, on furniture or not, what if anything does the dog have to do before a treat or biscuit or whatever is given, treats/titbits when you're having a meal or not. It doesn't matter too much formost pups what the actual answers are in a particular household, as long as everyone in the household is consistent.

And yes, a family membership for a training class is a great thing - the other members of the family can watch and absorb - saves you having to pass the information on. It might be good too if your wife does the feeding, so that she becomes another very significant person in the pup's life. Of course, if she's used to being obeyed then she'll probably be able to carry that consistency through into dealings with the pup. ;)

[mumof4girls]

I'm glad this topic came up as I was wanting my eldest daughter to come with me when we go to training..

I was told that only one person of the family should go to training and be the top dog so to speak, I am glad I now know :-)

[mumof4girls]

Jordan I'm glad you know your place LMAO

[Red Fox]

Hi all. In preparation for my new puppy I am reading everything and anything I can find on training to ensure I get things right from day 1. I can imagine that I will be doing the majority of training with my dog but I am unsure how to bring my wife and kids in to the picture? If I trach him to sit or drop will the same verbal cues be followed as easily from someone else? Do we need to repeat the entire program with each member of the family or is there some other way I should approach this?

My number one objective is making sure that if my wife gives a command it is followed, as she is used to that in our house. ;)

If you plan on trialing your dog in obedience (or any other sport) then just have seperate formal and informal commands.

I don't like to let others train my dog, but any member of the household can tell him to sit, drop, out a toy, go in his crate, wait at the door, play games with him, etc - basic manners. They just wouldn't walk him through a heel pattern, use my "formal" commands or attempt to teach him a behaviour that I'd want to use in a trial.

[Jordan Windebank]

Jordan I'm glad you know your place LMAO

There is absolutely no doubt there. :D

[Jordan Windebank]

If you plan on trialing your dog in obedience (or any other sport) then just have seperate formal and informal commands.

I don't like to let others train my dog, but any member of the household can tell him to sit, drop, out a toy, go in his crate, wait at the door, play games with him, etc - basic manners. They just wouldn't walk him through a heel pattern, use my "formal" commands or attempt to teach him a behaviour that I'd want to use in a trial.

There is no worry there as I have no intention of trailing him, he will just be a pet. Really only thinking about how to train him for basic obedience and tricks for the whole family.

[luvsdogs]

Make a list of all the commands(the words you'll use) you want him to learn, with the hand signals to go with them. Stick the list on your fridge so the whole family can refer to it. This way you won't confuse the dog.