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Absolutely do Puppy class.

I don't know what your land is like, but my general advice would be that if there is an area fenced around your house that the pup can't get out of, until you have a solid recall (Come command) the pup doesn't leave that area except on a leash. It can be a long leash, but the pup needs to be controllable, especially around your livestock. I've put down my share of young farm dogs that have been kicked in the head by cows or horses....not fun! Use something you can tether to your belt so your hands are free and teach the pup appropriate manners around your horses in small pieces just like you would any other basic command.

Another thing I will say is that while it's all well and good to have a dog that knows to sit when you say Sit and come to you when you say Come...it's really important for you to teach the dog to just automatically do things in certain situations. So if you're working in the barn with the horses, take a blanket or towel with you, throw it on the ground and tell your pup to lay down there. Throw him treats occasionally if he's staying there quietly. Do the same when you're working in the kitchen or watching tv at night or whatever--teaching him to go to a spot and settle down quietly while you do other work is very helpful! Research situational training.

For teaching him the boundaries of your land and not to go on the highway, the only way I know is to walk those boundaries with the pup regularly and reward him for staying on his side, correct him with a sharp vocal growl when he attempts to cross the boundary and have a long line on him in case he doesn't listen to the reprimand! I'm pretty anti shock collar since you need to have absolute split second timing to use them properly, so I would consider that a tool to revert to if your training isn't working--especially if you're running into a situation like Coeur's where the pup knows the rules but is trying out something dangerous consistently when he's too far away for you to control him.

Finally, please remember a puppy goes through multiple chewing phases (as they get their adult teeth from about 14 weeks to up to 6 months, then again around the 9 months to a year old) and that they go through "adolescence" in their second year (from 1 year old to two years old) and suddenly "forget" commands or show resistance at various points through this time. Sometime after age 2 their brains are pretty mature and you can start to expect truly adult behavior at this point. Up to this point you really need to keep reinforcing your training on a regular basis and expect the occasional brain explosion from your pup.

Also, and I swear I'm done after this, please remember some breeds are easier to train than others, some individuals in each breed are smarter and easier to train, and obviously some breeds have instincts that will kick in around any livestock that will make it easier or harder to teach them how to act safely around your horses (heelers and shepherds (esp border collies and Queensland helpers/cattle dogs!) will instinctively try to herd...your horses may not appreciate this). Consider carefully what you want this dog to do on your farm and try to pick a breed or mix of breeds that is ideal to that job...don't set your pup up to fail!

I swear "On Your Mat" was the best command I taught my dog lol I worked with her so that whatever I pointed at was her mat and she was to sit or lay on or touching it (I've used a dishcloth before so could be small item or I have used 4 poles in a 6ft square as her "mat") When I first started riding with her loose with me there was always a saddle pad in the arena with us and anytime she got too close to the horses feet, showed aggression or started barking at the horse she was sent to her mat.

Spend small amounts of time several times a day going over any commands already taught and work on increasing the time holding each command.

We did 3 rounds of obedience training with my dog (possibly a jack russel- blue heeler cross) she's good for close range but I ended up having to work most of the advanced classes (off leash and long distance recalls and commands) so my ex took her instead and you can tell the difference because he is not consistent at all and he really didn't work on any of the training outside the classes so once she gets outside the range of knowing you can get to her quicker than she can do something its somewhat a coin flip as to whether she listens or not. She's getting better but still has work to do.

I am so happy I saw this thread! I am getting my first puppy since I bought a horse farm. I have older dogs but this will be my first "barn dog". I've been wondering how to train him properly.

Like Cheers said, I was also given the advice of having a "spot" for my dog to automatically go to when I'm doing something. I was trying to think of a command for it. @Bandit1119 I might take your "On your mat" command!

I bought a bed for the barn (it was a big outdoor seat cushion" and plan on having a water bowl and a tie down for my puppy for his spot) and he'll be sent there when I'm tacking up there horses or riding.

I've trained other dogs and never had a problem with commands. I'm still thinking of taking puppy classes though.

I did a decent bit of research after I deciding to get another puppy. My husband really wanted a husky but they do have the runaway tendencies and can have a higher pray drive (not to mention a thick coat and I live in Florida). We also thought about a Lab or GSD. After some research we decided to buy a Dalmatian. They're easily trained and are naturally good with horses. We get our pup in 2 more weeks! ♥