What age did you start training your cav?

[luvhavinbgtwins]

I went to the vet today and he said early is good but he will do better in a few months...he is just so hyper when I try....he sit's when I say but only for a sec and when I try to move to try anything he stands up and wants to be on me or under me....I am at a lost...I was going to go to a puppy kinder. but they only have a 8pm time and its great price but that is my twins bed time and there is no way I cant get there that late ...... what do you think.....how do you get them to respond w/out being to hyper ??

Thanks

[ilsamom]

Teach him to stay as well. Once he is sitting hold up another treat and say stay several times holding the treat low so that he doesn't stand to get it. Then make him stay in sit a bit longer each time. When he can do that well teach him to stand back up on command.

Jen and Ilsa

[jld]

We started obedience training (clicker training, which I HIGHLY recommend) with our cavalier at 5 mo. She did great. She is now doing agility. Judy and Dixie

[Karlin]

Again I'd recommend downloading and reading Ian Dunbar's books especially After you get your Puppy at www.dogstardaily.com and perhaps getting his Sirius Puppy Training video. Puppies can be trained from the day you get them, keeping this light and fun and brief sessions for pups which don't have great concentration. Dunbar is famous for his approach to working with puppies from the day you get them.

Please remember a puppy is a puppy and he is just going to be this happy and excited for weeks and weeks yet -- you are really not going to have a nicely trained dog til he is months older and you've put hours of weekly time into getting the dog you want.

Expected a small puppy to sit and remain calm is like expecting a 2 year old to do the same. Ain't gonna happen at least not for more than a few seconds. Training at this age is NOT about a responsive perfectly behaved dog, it's about having fun, teaching some basics and getting a framework there for more focused learning as he gets much older. For most dogs they will be 6 months before they can really begin to pay attention for any length of time. You need to keep your expectations in line with a tiny puppy's abilities.

It is easy to forget how challenging, demanding and exhausting puppies are. What you are seeing is normal. Puppies need considerable time and dedication at this age, love and gentle training and modest expectations. Kindness and consistency. Daily time given to little 5 minute shots at some fun training.

[Mindysmom]

I started training Max as soon as we brought him home for instance when he would sit naturally I would name it and reward him. Come was also easy for him - as was stay (although you have to start with just a second or two). I agree with Karlin, Dr. Dunbar's books are a big help and I've found his method works well with Cav's. It's essentially the same method that my current trainer uses. We started our puppy class at 16 weeks - it was pretty much of a disaster training wise (because I didn't think to check and see what methods were being used) but was good for socialization. Max LOVES our current class - it's still a basic class but allows him to practice what he has already learned.

[SuzRN]

Have been working with Vivie on an off for the past 6 weeks . I have somewhere Karen Pryor book on clicker training and like what parts i have read. The only things I have been working on are sit, stay (drop the treat and hold for only a few seconds), also name loading and marker word loading. I use part of her evening meal and just say her name followed by a treat over and over, the same with the marker word. Some if this is from my agility instructor also. I definatly need to work on come asap as she bolts for the door. Good luck.

[Mindysmom]

I could not get Max to do a "down" so on the advice of Mindy's agility instructor I got a clicker and I must say it worked like a charm - almost too well because for awhile after he "got" it he would drop into a down anytime he heard anything click - apparently the phone on my camera makes a similar noise. It was pretty funny.

[luvhavinbgtwins]

those who use clickers do you have to use them for life...cuz what I have read this morning you dont talk really....I know I havent read a book but I reserved on at the library and I should get it w/in the next 2 days..

[ilsamom]

I've never used a clicker as all my dogs have been geniuses Ilsa included!

But I think dogs are trainable at a young age, at less then 4 months old Ilsa would follow me around the house sitting and opening her mouth for a treat. She looked like a fish. It got so irritating (but cute) I started working on the stay and up commands. At the same time when we were in the park I taught her to stay with me. That way she never knew what I wanted to sit there and demand food.

Everyone thinks their dog is a genius (and I know mine is) - but I think it is entirely possible to train a dog young. Remember they love attention as much as food so a combination of both is most effective. Make a big fuss whenever he behaves along with the treat - or if you are weaning off the treat. I never took Ilsa to a class or did advanced training, I felt she was well trained for me by 6-8 months.

She is now less perfect and quite willful but she knows when I am serious and always listens - and I still give her a big fuss when she does if only because I love to make her tail wag. She looks so proud!

Jen and Ilsa

[jld]

No, you do not have to use them for life. I don't use mine at all now, but if I were teaching a new behavior or trick I would use it.