I have started training Paxy to sit, which she does well. I have also started her today getting used to a lead, no walks outside just the backyard so she's used to the feel of it, lots of treats and encouragement. Short bursts of 5 mins. She's been wearing a collar constantly for the past week or so.

So we will be starting on drop, stand and stay in the next few days and heeling off leash. I don't really think she's too young to start this sort of work (in small amounts) but a friend told me her GSD didn't wear a collar till 12 weeks and lead work was started a week after that.

I know there are a whole lot of different opinions out there but as a matter of interest what's your point of view guys about what and when you start to train?

Training here has never been formal, it is just part of our routine.

Our three week old pups all come when called, all sit and look up at us, they know already if they sit they get attention.
We place them regularly on their backs and massage their tummies and heads to relax them and it does make them very calm and helps them submit and makes them easier to train.

Already you can pick out the intent ones and the gentle ones, I'm tipping their all going to have pricked ears, maybe not Gerema, he is going to be woolie, his coat is much thicker than his brothers and sisters, him and Arona look like little polar bears, so cute.

I always start training my pups the basics as young as i possibly can, but as concentration spans are shorter with babies, keep lessons short but often. They amaze me how much they pick up at such a young age.

I have always believed from birth to 12 weeks is the most important time in a pups life.

The foundations laid down of what will become the Adult need to be seriously considered when having a litter.

If the breeder gets its wrong the pup will never reach its full potential, no matter how good the training it recieves from the new owner.

I'm not saying that a pup which has a rough start to life will be ruined, I have rescued too many pups and seem them all turn out wonderful.

Just that a pup which receives a good sound beginning will be streets ahead of the others.

I start training at 8 weeks as soon as I get them. When I train I play train clicker train so I use toys tug toys voice food. I just keep it fun. You have to cause these buggers are too smart and they do get bored and if you dont do it they do it themselves. A pity though it's not what we want though LOL
cheers
Danni