1st Training

[Toby2]

How can you start training a dog and expect him to learn anything? Should you be working on housebreaking and obedience at the same time?

[HOHAMBULLS]

Puppy training sessions should be short and to the point, do not mix one type of training with another for you will confuse the pup. I would reccomend trying to find a certified trainer in your area that offers the type of training you are looking for. This will be a learning experience for you as well as your pup, so keep that in mind and pay very close attention to how the proffesional trainers work and try to duplicate that at home. Hope this helps and good luck with your new puppy.

[redridinghood1313]

In my experiance, professional trainers aren't normally necessary. I've never used one till just now, and that's because we're training our pup for flyball, and I really don't know all the rules.

For basic potty training, follow your puppy around, learn their 'tell' of when their about to go. Pick them up, put them where you want them to potty, and say in an uber-happy voice "(insert name) go potty!". As soon as they are done give big over the top congratulations. Repeat till they do it alone consistantly. This way, they'll also potty on command...a nice little bonus.

You can also start basic obediance at this time. Start with puppy's name. Associate puppys name with treats, playtime, and pets. This will get them to come to you when they are called.

As for sit, down, shake....these are natural motions for pups to do. if you repeatedly say the call word when they do it and reward them, they'll figure out what you're doing and will eventually do it on command.
I've trained more than a couple of dogs this way and it works beautifully and makes for happy dogs that WANT to please you (after all...it gets them something!).

[Patch O' Pits]

You absolutely can start training a puppy asap not only in things like house training/crate training but on basic manners such as bite inhibition and also basic commands such as come first than sit and down followed later on after those are mastered by the stay command.
Now I feel tricks come after all basics are learned as they are more important IMO.

Clicker training is a great tool with pups and dogs too.

Teat and praise do wonders when training.

All training with pups should be positive. No correction collars of any type until the pup is at least 6 months old and then only as needed and if needed.

Young pups should be trained a few minutes here and there throughout the day and it should be made fun and positive.

If you have never trained a pup you may want to look into group puppy K clases as well.

Classes are not just for teaching the dog they also teach the owner. Also they provide socialization and distraction training which is a plus as well.

If you'd like you can come take my puppy agility class it is free and online, it is stuff you can do at home and at your own pace and progressive as to the age and needs of the handler and puppy. There is no expensive equipment it is all stuff you can make or buy cheaply.
here is the link
www.apbt.info.
You just have to set up an account and sign in

Good luck with your pup and please post any specific questions you may have