First day of Puppy Kindergarten

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Well, Monday Malu and I went to Puppy K class. My early training at the house paid off big time! We only worked on a few things, mostly head control and being restrained on the floor by lightly touching shoulders and hips. But we also played the "Take It, Leave It" game, and Malu was the STAR! We spent alot of time playing this game at home in the early weeks (8-12) so he knew it so well. Also, he has previously been restrained by me for nail clippings and ear cleanings, so that was no big. Head control needs a little work, he really doesn't like having his head restrained. But getting better, almost no struggle last night on our practice.

Next class Monday night. In the meantime, we are going on walks to continue our non-leash pulling habits, and practicing all our training throughout the day, including:

Wait at the door (in and out)
Sit
Down
Sit up from down
Roll over
Leave It
Out (release toy/sock/inanimate object)
Down (counter surfing and newly acquired jumping lightly onto people)
Wait for food
Come/recall
Watch me

Malu does all these things fairly reliably at home. Time to take them to the streets!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow, that is a really good idea. I think I'll have to start practicing this. Last time we had to give eye drops to Darwin, it was NOT easy!

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

I have been trying to post a reply to this for DAYS!!! Wasn't able to post. DK must have been having a hiccup.

Anyway, head (muzzle control) involves putting one hand on the side of their head with a finger/thumb through the collar, so they cannot move their head in that direction, then place the other hand on the other side of their head and use thumb under muzzle and forefinger over muzzle to lightly restrain their head. Do not allow them to move their head from side to side, or back out of your hands. The restraint is very light, just like body restraint. Just touching basically. You are not holding their mouth shut or anything, they are able to lick their lips, bark, pant, whatever. So the idea is to get them to hold perfectly still while you are barely touching them. After being still a predetermined amount of time (5 sec) quickly let go. This is helpful for eye medication, ears, etc. Any time you need to look at something and have their head be still.

Malu has gotten excellent at this over the past few days! As soon as I get my hands in position, he freezes. Also his body restraint is GREAT. I just lay him down, lightly put one hand on his shoulder and the other on his hip and he just lays there for about a minute, very still no matter what. Then you quickly (not gradually) remove your hands to release them.

[Christine & Shelby]

Minga & Malu... glad you enjoyed your first day at Puppy Kindergarten. It was fun having you over for a play date last night!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I haven't heard of the head restraining either, I'm curious. Malu sounds like an obedience pro already, good job to both of you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so glad Puppy K went so well! It sounds like Malu is doing great. The head restraining for Puppy Obedience is new to me. I actually haven't seen in in any of my books either. Is that something they teach in your class? Is there a command involved? Is its purpose to have him hold still for ear cleaning?