taking him for formal training early on is a WONDERFUL idea. I feel like all the time i devoted to training Tobey the first few months are really paying off now. He's only 7 months but is such a wonderful pup. I feel very lucky. It's a lot of hard work because you have to be very consistent. I just read all that I could and took tobey to Petsmarts puppy classes. they were helpful with the basics. The only time tobey will "stay" is when i make him sit before he can go out to the back yard. I make him sit, then i open the door and say stay, stay, (it drives him crazy cuz he whines with anticipation the whole time) but he will stay there until I say "OKAY!" then he takes off running to go see if any of his "friends" are outside (dogs that live next to us and behind us).
About the barking, a lot of time it's just playful,but it still annoys me. I have found that shaking a soda can with coins in it works with Tobey. he will still do a little growling when we play, but no barking. and it keeps him from barking out the window at things.
__________________  Karena
Tobey's mommy  (otherwise known as "pumpkin pants"  ) |