20:20 Hindsight

[emg4458]

Whilst I was working on the basics, heel work, as I am currently doing at least 3 times a day, with varying degrees of success, I got to thinking, if I knew then (when Jasper first arrived in the house), what I know now, what would be different, if anything?

My answer would probably be along the lines of start training the minute he gets through the door, something I would do if I ever take on another puppy (jury still out on that decision - won't be for a MINIMUM of 3 or 4 years).

I was wondering what sort off thing other novices and experienced owners would do differently?

Elizabeth

[Stihl 090]

Get the puppy retreving furr and feather from the outset!!

[dandogman]

I'd never go on walks in the park for a start, as to not encourage over-friendliness with other dogs, something that has been a problem for Pippa but is now solved!

[Merlin]

Think I'd put more emphasis on the stop...

Amongst a whole heap of other stuff too !

[Springfield Pointers]

Best thing you can teach a pup is patience.

[tt123]

I'd never go on walks in the park for a start, as to not encourage over-friendliness with other dogs, something that has been a problem for Pippa but is now solved!

May I ask why not? I'm an absolute beginner, but I thought that socialisation was very important for pups, in order to avoid excessive fear and aggression towards other dogs later in life?

[keirk]

Best thing you can teach a pup is patience.

+1

[Naj]

... ditto for handlers, too!

[Cass]

Get the puppy retreving furr and feather from the outset!!

+1. My poor guy was almost 5 months old before he got his first bird exposure. Birds birds birds!

[emg4458]

tt123 - socialisation is a whole different ball game that I would have done very differently. If you search on this site under training, you'll find LOTS of theories about it. As a newbie myself, I think, as long as you believe what you're doing is right, it probably is AT THAT MOMENT IN TIME. But. Time will tell whether it really was