[anns5]

I have read wonderful advice on this board about behavioral training, from shaking a can of coins behind your back when they try to jump on you, to how to handle nipping. My question is, do you begin all of this immediately at 8 weeks, or are they too young? I know there is a period of time when they are young when they can have a negative experience and it can stay with them and become a bit of a phobia if you will, so do I let them get away with jumping up on me (won't be able to get very high and expect it will be oh, so adorable at 8 and 9 weeks!) and other antics when they are brand new to us, or do bad behaviors set in quickly?

 

[keywee]

Hi Ann. You can start teaching your puppy right away and it does not have to be negative. Reward him for keeping all four paws on the ground with a chest rub. Teach him to sit before he gets his food or water bowl. Call him to you and give him a treat or just lots of praise. Positive reenforcement works well, but you should be ready to correct any naughty behavior. Sometimes ignoring it works, but other times corrections are in order. My labradoodle Sawyer is so smart but I can see he needs our guidance and training so that he can have good manners and know his place in our family. Just like children!