Training methods are as variable as handlers and dogs. But the basic principles are fairly straightforward. How you apply them depends greatly on your nature, and the nature of the pup. One thing all trainers agree on - there’s no point wasting your time on a badly bred pup. If it hasn’t got the working genes - then forget it.
Pups start to work at different ages, but you would certainly expect to see some action by 6 months of age. If a dog hadn’t shown much interest by 9 months, you’d be getting concerned about the costs of keeping it. It would have to be an especially good prospect based on its pedigree to keep it. Check with the breeder incase the strain are late starters, before deciding what to do. It may not be the pup – it could be you! Talk to an experienced dog handler about your concern.
Articles on Training Working Dogs in INFORMED FARMERS.
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