k9krazee, thats really sad poor Jack! 7 months isn't very young either.

I do think 4 months is too early, unless all that you're doing is training light contacts, tunnels and far-spaced guided weaves. Someone recently posted pics of a 6 month-old Golden doing a-frames, dog walks, tunnels, and a couple other obstacles at their demonstration and that I DEFINITELY don't agree with... if the puppy falls off of the A-frame or dog walk, which puppies do all the time, he could be lame for life. With flyball, I think it's kinda pointless to start training when a puppy is so young ~ they cannot jump, or hit the box, which is what Flyball consists of. Taking them to tournies to get them used to it and encouraging ball/tug motivation I understand. But just the jumping motion over and over, even jumping over a stick or whatever, can harm a puppys joints ~ especially a large breed.

meh. Anyway, I don't really see the point in sport training puppies of such a young age. Encouraging tug, targeting, ball motivated, etc, will set them up better IMHO. I think really solid Obedience should be in place and the dog should be mostly done growing/maturing before they compete in high-impact sports. BUT, Obedience should be taught from day 1, definitely.