hi everyone,
I am getting a Border collie in the summer holidays, and I really want to train him well. I was wondering if anyone knew which is best to use, a Halti or just a simple training harness. Also, I want to train him/her to come on a whistle. Does it matter what type of whistle I use.
As well, how old does my puppy have to be before I can join obedience and agility classes?
Thanks
Sian

Hi Sian your puppy can start training classes for obedience once he/she is fully vaccinated just going along to socialise and do some simple training to start with.I would use a simple webbing collar and lead .If you then want to go on to do agility you will have to wait as puppies should not be encouraged to jump at a young age. Good Luck and enjoy your puppy Gillian

Hi Sian,

I agree with Gillian, start with the basic stuff and if you need to move onto a headcollar later on, then do. If you start with the tougher things, you will have nothing to move to when you have a problem.

I would recomend using a half check collar as well for training and teach your puppy that when this collar goes on, he will be working. This will come in very useful later on when you start competing.

I definately recomend you find an APDT instructor/class because you then know that the training methods will be reward based and there is no chance of having your dog ruined by rough handling or being scared by bad training methods. If you search under "Pet Dog Training", you should find the site, if not, mail me on manda.smith@talk21.com, because I have an association directory of members all over the country and can put you in contact with someone.

Enjoy your puppy and by the way, I would leave the agility until your dog is over a year old so as not to damage the joints or growth plates.

Manda
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