[Riggan]

I wouldn’t. At that age, training should be almost entirely positive and fun. You are setting the foundation for a lifelong partnership. I would instead use the “light switch” game. I’m pretty sure Robert has a video on it. The focus is on rewarding the dog for what you DO want (looking or moving away from the object) rather than correcting them for what you don’t want.

[Ed]

No. I suggest you dig into Robert’s past videos including the AMA (member chats) and the public YouTube videos. I would watch a few dozen. That is the quickest way to get into the Robert’s mindset Robert. Meanwhile do not do anything harsh to the dog and if you are having trouble managing him put him in a crate as he is starting to get into trouble so that we are not overly harsh with him. Good luck!!

[Ed]

“YouTube public videos” <— the monthly chat ones, where he goes over a variety of questions. Same with the member only chats. Ultimately, I would want to absorb Robert’s way of thinking and principles so that I could reapply them in new situations. At that age, like Riggan said, you would want a martingale collar and to be gentle, perhaps firm, but never harsh with the dog. So we do not create a pile of nerves that is going to be coy and have other problems later. I’m sure you will do great and have an awesome pup as a result.

[Gary]

Thanks Ed. He is coming along wonderfully right now. I don’t want to be harsh with him. I’m just looking to have fun and hope is too. I’m finding that I am only watching videos I want to and I am thinking I should just watch all of them when time allows. I’m sure I’ll find something I need.

[Riggan]

Gary, I just rewatched Robert’s first video with Max (Ultimate Puppy Series) where he worked on “Leave It”. This might be why you asked about whether you should use a choke chain. I couple of things. First of all, I think that Max was a bit older than 3 months, even though he is still a puppy. Second (and even more importantly), Max is an Akita – a big, strong, independent and often stubborn breed. Robert talks about this in the video. Max was on a choke chain. This is an example of a situation where what works with one dog is not appropriate for all dogs. Because of his personality, Max needs a firmer hand and will not be crushed by somewhat harsher techniques. In fact, they are necessary in order to get his attention. But it is not true for the vast majority of puppies out there. This is one reason the Ultimate Puppy Series with Max and Siggie is so great – you can see how Robert changes his approach for a tough dog versus a softer yet high drive dog like Siggie. I agree with Ed that a martingale collar would be most appropriate for a 3-month-old puppy. Have fun with your pup and let us know how it goes!

[Gary]

Thanks Riggan. I’m going to pick up a martingale collar today. It seems to be the one that would help. I have fun training him he’s a pleasure, except when he decides that something else is more fun. He learns quickly so I am looking for a way to teach leave it to him. Thanks for the info on the choke collars. I wasn’t sure so I asked. I was watching the video with the little corgi and the lady at the park and noticed she had a choke collar. I’ll just go slowly.