Day 1: Obedience Class review

[Amy & Bernie]

The first thing I want to share is that our instructor made it very clear that the class we're taking and the methods used only work when part of the entire 10 week system we signed up for. There's no jumping around, or using some techniques and not others. If you don't follow the system it won't give your dog a fair chance to be the best he can be and it doesn't train us handlers to truly understand the way a dog operates. This is very important.

But I also have fun stuff to share!

The first class did not include the dogs, it was for the handlers. Our instructor introduced the methods, their history, her personal experience with it, as well as few general "dos and don'ts" to keep in mind when training your dog to always pay attention to you. There were three "dos and don'ts" that really stuck with me:

1. Tell once. You tell the dog to sit, he stares are you with his head cocked, you push his butt down, then praise him. You don't tell him twice and you definitely don't ask him, question marks should not be in your vocabulary when it comes to your dog. But you always praise him once he does what you said, even if you have to make him, he has to know that butt on ground = praise.

2. Keep an even voice. Our instructor does not have a loud voice, which proves it isn't necessary. My husband and I agreed we're going to err on the quiet side for the next 10 weeks (hopefully forever). Most dogs have excellent hearing. I called Bernie in a quieter than talking voice this morning and he came racing downstairs to see what I wanted from him. Awesome. Loud = excited or angry and neither of those translates to "I'm the person you want to listen to".

3. Follow through. This is a no brainer but as Bernie has gotten older and less "crazy" we've been slacking. This goes with number 1. We tell Bernie to "go to bed" (his crate) when he needs to take a break and give us our space, kind of like time out but we don't lock him in. It's great when we're eating. Well lately we say "go to bed" and he gives us our space, but doesn't go in his crate - we're guilty of calling this good. Not any more! Follow through, no matter how trivial, he will learn that what you say MUST happen or you'll make him.

This week we're working on the heel and walking, training your dog to always pay attention to you - to stay with you, no matter your route. Bernie got to be the demo in class last night because we had him in our car, and he did great! We were expecting the worst because he's such a puller on our walks, but he caught on in less than 5 minutes. He's not perfect, but he knew not to let the instructor get away from him. She even said we definitely have a potential show dog on our hands if we're interested. Cool!

A side note, from what I could tell at least half our class will be made up of German Shepherds, maybe more. Our instructor's assistant is a German Shepherd. I'm not familiar with GSs but I still had a surge of Doodle pride when she so openly praised Bernie's ability to pick up on the exercise so quickly and willingly. He's a pleaser!

We'll be practicing every day. Only ten minutes at a time, up to 3 times per day, but only if Bernie is willing. Our instructor said we can't force our dogs to train or it will sour them on the whole idea. Makes sense to me. How many of you like to head into work on Monday? =)

 

[Jennifer & Kai]

Amy I so enjoy reading your post.  It is so encouraging for so many others of us out here.  I too am in training.  Kai made one on the 21st of March and is making strides.  Squirrels are his biggest distraction but learning how to "leave it" is working..not all the time but most of the time.  Keep up the positive reinforcement and attitude..You are an inspirition to us all and a reminder that this is a long term commitment for both doodle and parent.  Thank you!

[Bonnie and Kona]

We started class a week and a half ago. Owen had his first session on Monday. It sounds like the philosophy is similar. I really appreciate your posts. There are three adult members of our household now and all three of us are doing a little training with him. Each of us is using the methods so far. This is the first dog my husband has consented to get involved in the training with! He is the "trainer" during class time. My daughter and I are thrilled he's taking an interest. Owen is just turning 7 months. He's doing well this week.

[Jodi and Stella]

Sounds like a great class Amy! I wish we had more available where I live. Thanks for passing on the pointers and keep us posted.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sounds like it's going great. We did "great" in class but now the consistency and respect is gone, my husband decided to do it his way which confuses our babies!! So keep on it and it'll be great!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Linnea we just finished classes for Ned and Clancy - Ned had basic obedience as a 6 month old pup, but Clancy is our adult rescue.  Ned did about what I expected - or maybe a bit less on the response time but that is Ned, the prince.

Clancy did wonderfully.  He was so willing and able to follow directions - He is three!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It sounds like your class went really well, and Bernie was the STAR!  I've never had a trainer tell me that either of my Doods are potential "show dogs".  LOL  He must be amazing.  What a great start.