How long did you wait?

May I suggest some reading materials that might help. I've had dogs my whole life but I haven't raised a puppy to full grown dog in twelve years so I hit the library for a free refresher course on raising a pup in the home. One thing I have found is that each trainer/book author has different ideas on how to do it. My suggestion is you read a couple and start your training with the one that appeals to you most. My favorite book so far is Puppy Preschool by John Ross and Barbara McKinney. They also wrote Dog Talk but I haven't read it yet. The one I'm currently reading is Shelby Marlo's New Art of Dog Training. It's okay but I prefer Puppy Preschool to it so far. Another one I picked up but haven't started is The Everything Dog Training and Tricks book by Gerilyn Bielakiewicz. Having grown up with an animal "whisperer" for a father I can give you a hint or two that always worked for him and me. First of all puppies are like kids in that they have a very short attention span. And I mean very short. (It does get better with age) Any training over 5-7 minutes at one time and you will be fighting a losing battle. So start out with three or four 5 to 7 minute sessions per day. If you notice puppy getting restless after four minutes go ahead and quit. You'll figure out how long works best for you and your dog. Remember practice practice practice. And treat often. And it doesn't always have to be food treats. In the beginning treat every time puppy does what you ask. Later on treat every other time and so on. It keeps puppy on it's toes and wanting to always do what you ask when you ask so that maybe it'll get a treat. And the treat doesn't have to be food. Usually the last time my dogs would do as I asked them, I would pull out their frisbee and we would have a frisbee fest. I last had labs and they were frisbee freaks. It was a reward as well as a good time. The last thing I will impart to you is the wisdom of crate training. You have never had a puppy eat a couch and a love seat or shoes etc. The crate will help you get through puppyhood. Anyway, sorry to write so long but it never hurts to get prepared for your new animal companion. I would definitely recommend Puppy Preschool though, and don't be afraid to ask questions here on the forum. There are many people who have been there done that and are willing to share their wisdom and help you through the tough times. Don't forget to post pics of your new little baby when you get it.