What Age to Start Training a Puppy a Down-Stay

At what age should I start training a puppy to down stay? I guess what I want to know is at what age do you recommend using the pinch collar? -Rick

Dear Rick: You can start building associations with food or the toy at pretty much any time.

But you’ll want to wait until the dog is approximately 4.5 months old to start the formal training (ie, correcting the dog if he breaks the commands). You’ll know it’s time when you see the adult teeth begin to come in.  Until then, stick to the puppy training exercises.