Crazy puppy

[Brindle Ali]

I have 2 questions I rely need answered. 1) I was wondering, at what age I can let my pup start climbing stairs? The reason I'm wondering is because the other day i was playing with him and them he stopped and darted for the stairs. We'll naturally I ran after him but to my surprise he had already made it to the fourth step. By the way he's 7 weeks old. 2)any tips on leash training. Yesterday I took him outside and clipped the leash on so he could drag it around but what ended up happening was he would see the leash and start biting at it. I know he is still to young to try to train but I want an early start.

 

[Caney Creek]

From the time we brought Caney home at 8 weeks old we never tried to prevent her from climbing the stairs. Additionally, I have seen this question about puppies and stairs posted one this board a few times, and I think every person who gave advice in those posts said that it is not an issue. Obviously you shouldn't incorporate stair-climbing into an exercise routine for him but what he does on his own free will on a daily basis should be fine.

It sounds like you're on the right track with leash-training. Make sure the leash isn't too big and heavy so that it is effortless for him to drag it around so that (technically) he could have it on without realizing it's even there. Try your best to occupy him with other toys whenever he has the leash on so he doesn't focus on it. You can practice this in the house too.

Although he is very young (in many places it's actually illegal to sell a pup younger than 8 weeks) you are right to want to start early with his training. I would recommend enrolling in a puppy class so that he has the opportunity to socialize with other puppies regularly, especially since he was removed from the litter so early.

Good luck with him!

 

[Davedbd]

After watching many episodes of Pets 101, the dog whisperer and reading different forums and books there is an endless amount of information.....LOL!! Some good, some bad.
I know our girl Tiara has been attempting the stairs since we got her home at 6 weeks 5 days old. She can easily make it up now that she is 11 weeks. I think the key is simple common sense really. I would be careful of her falling down the steps because at such a young age she could really hurt herself. But from what I have seen and heard, dogs like children are quite resilient and really can do anything they are capable of doing....if that makes sense??
The leash thing is also pretty straight forward. Start with the collar...get'em used to wearing that for a couple days. Next attach the leash like others have said. Ensure its light and easy for her to drag around the house for a few to get her acclimated. And than its off for a walk. Just be sure to reward and make her feel comfortable. Anything seen as a bad thing now will only intensify later on. Make it fun and don't expect too much too soon. Be careful of virus's while out and about, its a tough call with the socialization vs. puppy getting sick from the bad stuff out there while on a walk. Our vet recommended we keep her in the yard for walks until she is done with all the shots at 16 weeks. But to each there own. Good luck