I have always started with a puppy over the years(5 in all of my 61 yrs., only 1 at a time, so you can see I keep them a long,long time)...for my last one is now 2 yrs old I decided to use a book for training her so I could do everything "right"...never used one before...originally her name was Funny Girl, however, after following the directions in "Dog Training for Dummies" her name is now Devil Doggie...lol...still, I love her and would not trade her for anything...I think alot of training you'll find is common sense and knowing to follow your heart with your puppy, though I do think having a professional helping to train is a good idea...good luck and happiness with your puppy always...Naomi :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: