What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

My lab pup is 12 weeks now. I was wondering if I could get some opinions on how I am doing as far as training goees.

My pup can sit on voice command every time, whistle command is about 90%.
He will stay for about 30 seconds-to a minute.
He heels well on leash/check cord.
He consistently comes on command while on checkcord. About 50% off leash.
He retrieves dummies enthusiastically.
He was also introduced to a freshly killed quail and retrieved that even more excitedly then the bumpers. Every time I pull the bird out to throw a few retrieves he goes wild.

He is also started to signal when he needs to be let outside to potty. I am doing crate training with him.

And he has completely bonded to me (follows me everywhere!)

Over the next 8 weeks or so I am planning to work on his basic obedience while keeping the retrieves going. I am also going to take him out for a swim when the weather warms up a bit.

How would you say I am doing? I only work with him for about ten minutes a day and then for a few minutes before he is fed. Most of his day is spent following me around and playing with his toys.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

sounds like you are doing great.just keep up the training,not to much at a time.
you done did good.
keep it up,let us know how it goes.


I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

You are doing very well! Keep up the good work it will pay off in a longtime friendship.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

sounds like you have a huntin partner in the makin you've done very well keep doin what you're doin.
Set your self goals for long term and short term training but remember he's a pup.
keep it up
Are you possitive that pup's not part shorthair

Edited by - HOSS on 01/23/2002 09:44:41

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

Are you sure you're not just braggin' LOL It's a lot of fun working with a pup like that isn't it? One other benefit from working with him early and seeing him develop is the pride and interest you take in seeing him eventually turn into a real pro.

Edited by - drdan on 01/23/2002 12:33:44

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

>>Are you sure you're not just braggin' LOL It's a lot of fun working with a pup like that isn't it?<<

I wasn't meaning to brag, lol. I have trained three other dogs before him(just obedience) and I have never started this young. He will be my first hunting dog so I am not sure how fast they progress. I didn't train my other dogs in obedience until they were at least 16 weeks old, I started this pup at 8 weeks with play games.

I guess I'm doing okay with nuturing his retrieve desire. Someone on another board told me that most dogs don't like to retrieve quail and this pup loves them already!

I am amazed at how fast he learns. I've trained everyday with him for ten minutes a day max sometimes even less. And the retrieves have been about 3-4 a day max.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

I didn't see anything about sound conditioning.
I had a GSP that was as disciplined a dog as I have ever seen. But somewhere along in her first year she became gunshy. I had been training her for the gun too.
Gunshyness is rare but make sure to do your sound conditioning. A childs cap pistol is a good place to start.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

I think during the 8-16 week period where they are imprinting, it is mainly important to introduce commands and to build enthusiasm. It's sounds like you're doing an excellent job with that so far.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

Oh I forgot to mention the sound conditioning. I have been doing that also since he was about 81/2 weeks. I started with a loud hand clap while he was eating, when on to banging pots and pans, and now I have started using a cap gun. It doesn't bother him at all.

RE: What to expect at 12 weeks.
 

Great! I think you're well on your way to having a good hunting buddy.