Reddit reviews My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD)
We found 2 Reddit comments about My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Unopened DVD
I don't have my puppy yet, these books and resources have been recommended to me:
Puppy Savvy: The Pocket Guide to Raising Your Dog Without Going Bonkers
My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training
Leerburg University has a free class you can take online, plus they will send you short videos on training.
Interesting article on socialization. Many books I've read suggest having your puppy meet 100 new people before his 12-week birthday, this take makes more sense to me.
The crate training/house breaking guide on Midwest Homes for Pets is still one of my favorite resources for crate training/house breaking (look through the links on the right side of the page). I've found their suggestions to be really clear. I've also really liked the book My Smart Puppy and the DVD that comes with it- the housebreaking material is excellent.
I've never liked the idea of puppy pads unless you live in a high rise or are otherwise unable to get outside quickly. Get in the habit of taking the puppy out frequently- when you go out for pottying, that is the sole purpose. Don't play, don't do other things. Take him out on a long but lightweight leash- put him down and ignore him. If he gets distracted, lightly tug on the leash but don't give him any attention. He will go eventually- when he does, quietly praise "Good boy! Potty! Good potty!" or whatever word you'd like to associate with relieving himself- you'll thank yourself later when your dog knows to potty on command. Don't go too crazy with praise or he's likely to get distracted. Have treats for this purpose as well. If (or rather when) an accident happens, give a "No!" or something enough to slightly startle him, scoop him up and run him outside. Once he finishes his business, praise.
That's my approach to potty training and it's always worked really well, have housebroken or started housebreaking my own three and quite a few others that I've puppy-sat. I'd also second the bell idea- hang the bell, jingle it yourself at first, eventually use his nose or paw to jingle it, and whenever he bumps it, praise and take him outside. The bell has worked great for me but be aware that he will begin to abuse it once he learns it gets him outside :-)