Training classes offered
I have been working with the new owner of a doggy day care facility in Geneva, IL - The Water Bowl, on getting together a list of classes I will be teaching there. If any of you are interested, check out my training page.
And if you don’t find the class you need, let me know! We can see what we can do.
Bauer at 6 months
Well, Bauer has been coming to visit me at Petco for our Puppy Playtime each Saturday but sadly with his six month birthday he has outgrown it. Here are photos of him as he says his good byes to his doggy friends.
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Bauer Graduates from Puppy Class
Here is an update on Bauer (from Annie’s litter)…. You are a model student…way to continue and expand on the training. I agree with you that Bauer definitely has a future as a therapy dog – the right disposition, temperament, and a huge jump on his training. Thanks for these.
-Kristin
Bauer Update at 3-4 Months Old
Bauer and his toys
As some of you may know, Bauer recently graduated from Puppy Training…hooray! It was six weeks of puppies, treats and learning…all very much essential to the handsome dog Bauer is becoming. Without any fears or hesitations, Bauer joined his “classmates” as they started to learn who the true “Alphas” in their relationships were. Bauer loved every minute of being with the other dogs…so much that he didn’t listen so well at first! Slowly he realized that while we were around so many distractions, he still needed to keep his focus on Josh and I. He went in knowing how to “sit” and “lay down” and “paw” on command. He came out not only being able to “roll over”, “stay”, “bow”, “come”, “leave it”, release”, “watch”, “speak”, and walk very well on his leash, but being able to perform any number of these tricks on command, with distractions, and without treats! What a good boy!
The WATCH and LEAVE IT commands
“Watch” means keep your eyes on my eyes. We teach this by showing the dog a treat while we place our face in their line of vision. As we give the treat we say “watch.” A dog will usually get this pretty fast. Then you can move the treat away from your face while tapping your nose with your other hand as you say “watch.” The movement of the treat-free hand draws the dog’s attention back to your eyes from the treat which they invariable track. As the dog’s eyes are on you, pop the treat in the dog’s mouth. The better your timing on this one the faster the dog learns it. Make sure you are only giving the treat while the dog’s eyes are on your eyes. Many dogs will avoid eye contact out of submission or respect and that is fine. Don’t demand direct eye contact from a submissive or young dog. Just make sure the eyes are looking toward your nose, forehead, or chin. As your dog builds confidence with this exercise they will look into your eyes.
“Leave it” means take your attention off of that thing (food, dog, person, goose poop, etc, and put it on me). To practice leave it, put a treat in front of your dog while he is on leash. Make sure that he cannot under any circumstance get to the treat! As you place the treat say “LEAVE IT” in a firm commanding tone and hold on tight to the leash. He will likely strain to get to the treat. Refrain from repeating the word leave it over and over again. Eventually, the dog will give up and often they will look at you…praise this immediately by giving them a treat from your hand (not the one on the floor) and saying “good dog” or something like that. The dog will then usually try to go for the treat on the floor and when they do you say “LEAVE IT” again in a firm voice and repeat. The dog will catch on fast. That is the first part of the exercise.
Another to the rescue and random thoughts
Whew. That was a close one. Thankfully another rescue organization agreed to foster Nisha and her pups. And, I didn’t post this but there was ANOTHER pregnant mama looking for a place to raise her pups at the same time as Nisha and thankfully she too was rescued by someone else. I am relieved because I have so much I am doing now to get the house together. I knew that my head wouldn’t be in the game so to speak – I really need to have the rest of my life on auto pilot when I’m fostering. So now my job is to work on what is before me (painting and painting and painting ceilings…does anyone like painting ceilings?) and get that job completed.
Here are some dog related thoughts that have been bouncing around inside my head: Why do people hold so strongly to a set of beliefs, to the point that they become obstacles to understanding other’s beliefs? This doesn’t make sense to me. So many trainers hold so firmly (more…)
Recommended Book by Suzanne Clothier
I have been reading a lot of new books about dog training lately. When the puppies grow up I realize how much time I really do have on my hands and usually find good ways to use it (as opposed to bad ways like watching TV). I know I gave a recommendation about the book “Final Hope” recently and I stand by that review. If you have an aggressive dog it is a good book to help you get clear about what is going on and what to do about it. It is out of print however so good luck finding it. I think Amazon.com has a few used copies and you can’t beat the price – like a dollar fifty.
Anyway, that book pales in comparison to the book I am currently reading. It is “Bones would Rain from the Sky” by Suzanne Clothier. Wow. Final Hope talked about getting ready to “tackle” aggression as “preparing to go into battle.” Suzanne talks about building a relationship with your dog built on mutual trust and respect. The richness that she suggests is possible in that relationship resonated with me. I’ve seen glimpses of it. An example is when I was working at (more…)
Bauer Training Video
More video from Bauer’s family – this is great! Here we see Bauer at 9 weeks, practicing giving paw, lying down, and sitting up. Teaching these basic moves is essential for a young pup and Bauer is doing a great job!
Up Next on Canine Fostering
Sweetie, our summer foster mama
As the story of Annie and her puppies comes to a close, do not fret! I will continue posting but the focus will change. I will give updates on the puppies (with photos!) and Annie and how they are doing in their new homes. I will also be posting on our previous fosters and how they are doing today, 8 months later. And finally, I will be including more information about our dogs (3 of which are rescues) as well as training tips.
So, keep checking in! We will also be hosting another dog family shortly…of course.
