Dog training

May 4, 2023 8:16 PM

Getting a pup in a couple of weeks (Portuguese Pedango Pequeno). Will be about 11 weeks old. Would like to start a good training regime straight away. Is there a particular methodology that works best? Best books or vid series?
posted by pmaxwell to Pets & Animals (11 answers total)

Look for resources which use positive reinforcement methods. This is often marketed using the terms “clicker training”, “positive training methods” and “force free training”.

Avoid resources which talk a lot about “dominance” and “pack hierarchy”. This kind of training uses aversive methods and punishment which are harmful to your dog and your relationship with it. Cesar Milan is a celebrity dog trainer who uses these methods and will come up if you search for dog training advice, please avoid him and his methods.

Positive training is not only kinder, it is also much more effective.

My family had a lot of success using Ian Dunbar’s methods.
posted by Balthamos at 9:15 PM on May 4, 2023 [10 favorites]

SLYT: Kikopup!
posted by xueexueg at 10:38 PM on May 4, 2023 [2 favorites]

Make sure to socialize your dog, so they don't become reactive to strange dogs. Combining at-home clicker training with a couple of in-person classes will help.

Professional classes are often costly, but Lord knows I would pay now to make my rescued dog not be reactive. (And yes, we have taken him through the class twice already.)
posted by wenestvedt at 6:28 AM on May 5, 2023

My sister is a virtual dog trainer. I sent you her info.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 7:43 AM on May 5, 2023

I got a lot from Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash and Karen Pryor's Don't Shoot the Dog. Good classes are a really big help, too, and fun.
posted by theora55 at 7:57 AM on May 5, 2023 [5 favorites]

seconding McConnell
posted by elkevelvet at 9:13 AM on May 5, 2023

I really like/liked How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Manual for Dog Owners authored by the Monks of New Skete. Some monks make champagne, some make cheese, some make chocolate. These monks raise and train dogs.

The title makes the book sound all touchy-feely but the approach is really grounded and practical and born out of a respect for how dogs are and how they see themselves as part of a pack. I knew but hadn't really appreciated just how social dogs are and how important being part of a social group is to their well-being. This book brought it home to me and in a way I could use when raising my dog.
posted by kaymac at 9:13 AM on May 5, 2023

Nthing The Other End of the Leash and McConnell's other books. Great training for the humans in the relationship.

My current dog was crate-trained when we got her, and I will now do that for any puppers in my future. I can tell that she gets comfort from her crate, and there's a lot of good with having her crate-trained. I don't quite know the process, but she'll happily put herself to bed with the command 'Kennel'. It comes in handy.

Training is an ongoing process and a wonderful way to bond with your dog. Don't expect it to be a 6-week course and done. Reinforcement is important.
posted by hydra77 at 9:17 AM on May 5, 2023

Your local Humane Society may offer classes in dog socialization.
posted by SPrintF at 9:53 AM on May 5, 2023

Best answer: I really like Simpawtico Dog Training on YouTube. I watched a bunch of their videos before we brought our rescue pup home, and picked up tons of super helpful tips.
posted by peperomia at 12:54 PM on May 5, 2023

Karen Pryor's Clicker training books are excellent. If I can train my cat to do stuff on command, a dog is a breeze to train.
posted by Ferrari328 at 1:52 PM on May 5, 2023