Dog Training Community

Hi Jeff!  I have been listening to some of your past programs on BlogTalk for the past few weeks as we were getting ready to bring my new puppy home.  He has been with me for 4 days now and things are going well.  He is a male, chocolate lab, eight weeks old today.

He (and me) have taken to crate training - which is our main concentration right now.  He is very good and yelps from the crate when he is ready to go outside (loud enough to wake me up from upstairs).  After he goes, he gets playtime and free time outside the crate for up to 45 minutes until I think he is getting ready to go again - this is when he goes back to his crate and usually takes a nap or chews on a toy.  Then he cries to go out and we start the whole thing again.  Every day he gets to hold it longer and I'm sure we are on the right track.

My first question to you is how much training is too much?  How much time each day and how many different training topics at once?  For example, we are trying to get him to come to his name (Benny).  But, can we also try to teach him to sit, stay, down, etc. BEFORE he masters the name game?

Also, when we are playing tug, he growls.  I think it is adorable so I growl back and then we are both barking and having a great time.  Is this unacceptable?  It only happens during a play game of tug.  I'm starting to debate whether or not this is a behavior to encourage.

We don't have him on a leash when he goes out right now because he stays close and follows us everywhere.  But, as he grows we want to train him to stay in the yard.  What are some steps we can take now to make this easier later?

Thanks for the great programs!

Katie in Ohio

Hi Katie,

Congratulations on your new puppy. Great picture!

I would recommend reading the following posts. I think they will answer your questions, but if not, feel free to ask follow-up questions.

Generally puppies have really short attention spans. You should do short sessions and make sure that your puppy is engaged. Part of the goal is to increase his ability to focus and train for longer periods of time. Read this post about when to stop training.

Also, you can learn how to prioritize your training so you don't get overwhelmed or overwhelm your puppy.

As far as the growling, that sounds perfectly normal. As long as you are teaching him to have a soft mouth and his behavior does not escalate into biting, you are fine. My Puppy Biting and Rules of Tug Video will give your more tips.

As far as your question about off leash control, I have a variety of videos that would be helpful, including leash walking, come and off leash control, Stop. See them here.

Hope this helps.

Jeff