First Class

This is my teacher, Kathy, and my Mom. I'm already alot to hold.

In our first class we were introduced to:

Gotcha: Grab the dog's collar, say "Gotcha" and give a treat.

Sit: Use treat in hand and make the "sit" hand motion. When dog sits immediately give treat.

Watch Me: With treat in hand, let the dog see the treat and tell her to "watch me". Bring the treat towards your nose and as soon as the dog even glances at your eyes give the treat. As the dog gets used to this, hold the treat off to the side by your shoulder. The dog will eventually glance at you longer and longer. As this happens put the treat in your other hand without her seeing you and when she looks at you give the treat.

Take It: With a treat in the palm of your hand, show the treat and then close your hand into a fist. Let the dog sniff, paw, or lick your fist but do not give the treat until the dog loses interest (even for a moment). Then quickly open your hand and say "Take It" and give the treat. Eventually, you will be able to offer the treat with an open palm and the dog won't take it until you say "Take It".

"Release Word"--Whatever word you pick; which is then used to release or to tell the dog that the requested behavior is finished. If your word is "ok", then after the sit, gotcha, or watch me command is accomplished and the treat is given, tell her "ok". That lets her know she is finished.

"Jumping Up"--Turn your body to the side and bump or lean into the dog. They will get the idea.

"Barking"--Firmly say "no bark" or "quiet" whatever you pick and if she isn't listening try a spray bottle filled with water or a can with coins, something to distract her from the behavior that she won't appreciate. Don't let the dog see the bottle or can if possible.

Hint: Don't let your dog play with other dogs when on leash. It is a bad habit to get into. The dog needs to know when it is acceptable to visit with other dogs.

Whew! That was alot to learn and we have to practice it all everyday. The above is just my Mom's writing from what she gleaned from the class. We really like Kathy and are so happy that Petsmart adovcates humane teaching. No chrome choke collars or pinch collars or harsh methods. Of course my Mom wouldn't have taken me there if they did use those methods.

I love class because I'm getting lots of treats and there is alot going on what with people and dogs walking about shopping. Plus Mom bought me a new toy (Dad said we have enough toys, but we still get them). Lots of toys and bones mean I won't be so interested in chewing up good shoes or furniture or paper.

Today is beautiful out so all of us were outside since early this morning. Mom raked the yard and I didn't even get in her way too much. The temperature here today is probably going to be a record high for this time of year so we are going to enjoy it while we can. So I can't be blogging all day, we are going outside!!
Ciao, Nicki