I have a lab puppy that I'am training, she does really good at siting and staying while she is on a leash, but as soon as I take leash off of her she acts like she don't know what to do.Yesterday when I was working with her while she was on leash I could get her to sit I would then throw her toy out in yard and she would stay until I told her to get it (and I had no pressure at all on the leash) and as soon as I took leash off I couldn't even get her to sit or anything. Is there anything I can do to make her listen like she does while she is on the leash, she is about 12 weeks old, thanks for any helpful tips
Posted By: TXPride
Re: dog training - 03/12/15 10:29 PM
Get a longer leash, and train in an area with little distractions.
Keep it fun at that age. The next three weeks are very tough with a lab, they can be an absolute terror. But it goes by fast so enjoy it while it lasts.
Posted By: bill oxner
Re: dog training - 03/12/15 11:22 PM
Yep. You're still in the socialization graze at that age.
I like the advice that has been given but have something to add. By the tone of your post I get the sneaking suspicion that you have an unrealistic expectation of your BABY puppy. Remember at this stage you should not really be enforcing anything. As others have said this is the play and socialization stage. Obedience is a lifelong standard and there is no substitute for maturity or experience. Your pup should not be coming off the lead at all right now. To put it in perspective, I would not expect a pup to be reliable off lead until through formal obedience which would be about 7 1/2 months of age or maybe even older depending on maturity. Even then there are a lot of good reasons to keep the dog on a check cord all the way through yard basics. I would also caution you not to even steady the pup on retrieves right now unless desire is through the roof. If the pup can be distracted by anything when a bumper is out then desire is not through the roof.
Good luck with your new buddy!
Posted By: river bottom
Re: dog training - 03/13/15 04:24 PM
thanks for the help, I was under the impression that she should be responding to the comands off the leash at about 12 weeks,that's good that I found that is not right from yall,I really don't know what to expect with the puppy cause I have never trained a dog and I don't know anybody around here that trains them that I can ask,,thanks for all the help, and I will slow it down a little with her, thanks again
Posted By: bill oxner
Re: dog training - 03/13/15 04:26 PM
Let her play with little children.
Posted By: river bottom
Re: dog training - 03/13/15 04:48 PM
She plays with my kids all the time