Am I training my dog too quickly? Which commands should he learn first?

Question

My 5mo MinPin mix was supposed to start puppy kindergarten 10 days ago, but an unexpected bill cut into my budget for the month and it came down to postponing the class or postponing his neuter, and I thought his surgery was more important. My husband also suggested that since I work only part time from my home office and I'm home with my daughter all day, I could probably effectively train him, or at least start his training until I can send him to class next month.
Reading lots of training books, Cesar Milan stuff, and watching videos from reputable dog obedience trainers, I've begun teaching basic commands. The thing is, my little guy is VERY intelligent and eager to please, and he seems to be breezing through each command. In one week, he has learned to sit, stay, leave it, drop it, shake my hand, come, focus, and fetch. He now does all these things the first or second time I ask and without expectation of treats...in other words, he has moved on from treats to accepting simple praise. My husband is worried that I'm teaching him too quickly and he will become confused or forget his training. Is this true? Or don't dog trainers teach multiple commands in single sessions? Also, any opinions on which commands should be taught next?

Answer 1

Dogs learn fast. Keep reinforcing and he'll be fine. Instead of using more commands, now is the time to start adding distractions, distance, etc. Coming to you in the house is one thing- coming to you from 30 feet away with other people/dogs around is another. Add distractions, length of time and distance slowly to keep challenging him, and use a long leash when not in a fenced in area.

Answer 2

MInpins are very smart, which accounts for your dog learning so much so quickly.



However, you need to keep in mind that this is just a pup, and everything goes out of the head when something new comes along. You need to get your pup out in the world, and practice those commands with distractions and other dogs around. Otherwise you will end up with a dog who does what you want in the house, but will not be able to perform outside the home, like at the vet, or on a walk.



I have seen many Minpins who are just plain vicious out in public because of a lack of socialization on the part of the owner.



And you haven't even gotten to this dogs "terrible twos" yet, where he will challenge all the rules.



The two most important commands to teach a puppy are "come" and "drop it". Next you should be teaching loose leash walking, so the poor thing doesn't choke himself to death on a leash.

Training sessions should only be about half an hour at this age, and should include more than one command, so the pup doesn't get bored and lose interest.



And please, for the sake of your dog, throw out all that Cesar Milan crap. The man knows nothing about dog behavior.

Answer 3

sounds like your doing a great job how is he on the walk does he pull or stay at your side I'd work on healing on leash now. Also work on having a really good recall because even to the most careful of owners accidents happen doors get left open collars get slipped being able to call him back may well save his life.