CONFORMATION

Our conformation dogs
can bee seen in the
progeny section of our
web site.

>> more info.......

WORKING

We have several of our
dogs in SchH training at
the moment we will keep
you updated on their
progress here.

>> more info.......

Welcome to the online home of Gouldryck Rottweilers!

TRAINING PAGE

Socialising is the time when your puppy starts to take an interest in whatever is going on around him.  It's also when he'll pick up the basic rules of social behaviour before you start to train him.  for about four to twelve weeks new objects and sounds will intrigue him.  As babies like to put everything in their mouths, so will he - noting will escape a lick or a chew (including you) as he plays.  Here is a list of th kind of experiences you will encourage during this important stage of your puppy's development.  Make sure he has plenty of contact with people and common household objects, sight and sound.  If you buy an older puppy, check he is at ease with these things, othewise he might be frightened and distressed and faced with them for he first time or all at once.
Take your puppy out and about as soon as possible but avoid contact with other dogs that ou don't know are vaccinated.  By carrying him you can introduce him to crowds andtraffic in a safe way.  Once his vaccinations are complete your puppy can learn to interact with other dogs.  Most adult dogs won't be aggressive unless your puppy becomes too boisterous.  Then a well timed growl or snap should put your puppy in hisplace - don't worry it's good for him, so try not to be over protective.
Ask your local vet or local dog training club about puppy playgroups.
As soon as you can, introduce your puppy to children of all ages under close supervision.
Familiarise your dog with car travel at an early age.  Little and often is best to start with, so take him for a ten minute ride couple of days, gradually increasing the length of the journey.
Try to make sure your puppy learns to accept veterinary examinations at an early age.  If you make th first visit to the vet as pleasant as possible - quite - calm and comfortable, he won't be frightened.  In the wild, dogs live packs and follow a strict social order.  So, as the owner you are now your puppy's pack leader.  In other words, your in charge.  Intstinctively this is what your pet wants and hewill be very content to follow yur command if you train him correctly.  What he learns at an early age will determine how he behaves forte rest of his life, so start training him sooner rather than later. {This does no apply to toilet training as you'll read about shortly}
This section will give you the basics and get you both off to a good start.  But don't worry if progress is slow - as long as it's steady, that's what matters.  You could also take your puppy to training classes, they are friendly, supportive and a great way to meet othe dogs.  For infomation on local trainers, write to the Kennel Club 1-5 Claridges Street, Piccadilly, London WIY8 AB.

GOOD DOG, BAD DOG?

When training your puppy it's important to praise him immediately after good behaviour.  If you 
                                      hesitate, he won't understand exactly what he is being praised for and will be
                                      confused.  the same goes fo punishing bad behaviour, always at the time and
                                      never a second after.  Even if you're faced with havoc he hascreated while you 
                                      weren't around, don't be tempted to scold him, he won't understand and may
                                      start to fear you.

                                      IMPORTANT WORDS?

                                      From a very early age your puppy must learn his name.  Once he knows it
                                      encourage him to respond to you almost immediately, not after a five minute
                                      sniff around the park.  The other word you'll want him to grasp very quickly is
                                      "NO".  When you see your puppy doing anything naughty, you should say "NO"
                                      Firmly, Calmly and stop him from continuing te action and turn your back.  The wait until he shows good behaviour before giving him praise frobeying.  From as early as six weeks you ca teach your puppy to obey simple commands.  Use short words with different sound's, "HEEL", "SIT", "STAY" and "COME" for example.

OBEDIENCE TRAINING?

It's best if everyone in the family is involved with the obedience training.  If your puppy only learns to obey you, it may lead to problems.  Make sure everyone uses the same commands - lack of consistency mean a lot of confusion for your puppy.

TOP TIP?

Don't praise him if he starts to sulk - he'll start to think its good behaviour.  Never send your dog to his bed as punishment, he'll end up not liking te bed and won't want to sleep there.

HOUSE TRAINING?

To help your puppy understand his place in his new pack, always get members of your family, before you greet him.  By doing this, your reinforcing the correct social hierarchy.  Your puppy needs to go to the toilet quite a lot.  Get used to picking up on the warning signs and you'll soon minimise the mess.  Walking in circles, sitting by the door, or giving you a look are indications he needs to relieve himself.  When this happens, quickly place your puppy on a piece of newspaper.  Gradually move the newspaper towards the door until it is outside.  Then start taking your puppy to the area first thing in the morning, after meals and drinks, after he wakes up from a nap and at night.  Soon your puppy will learn to go there automatically, but don't rush or force this understanding.  Until your puppy is three to four months old he is less able to control himself.  Never punish your dog or rub his nose in the mess when he has an accident, he won't understand and it will only serve to slow down his progress.  Whe he does make a mess, clean it up as soon as possible because the smell of it will stimulate himto do it again.