Week 1: Obedience class review

[Amy & Bernie]

The first week went well, Bernie is conscientious of us when walking. Practice really does pay off.

We stuck to the 10 minute training blocks, but were able to do 2-3 per day, it worked great for us.

And tonight in class we had to "prove" we worked with him all week.

Bernie did okay, but not great. We think it's in part due to the sociable Doodle nature and the fact that he's 10 months old...but he did better after the first 10 minutes, when he got over the fact that we weren't going to let him play with everyone - this is not puppy kindergarten, this is obedience training.

Side note from that - I wish we would have been more strict with how we handled approaching people and dogs from the get go. That will go on my personal advice list to new puppy parents. Bernie at 70 lbs is not cute when he's wiggling and lunging at passersby because everyone is a potential best friend. That was our fault, and now we're back peddling trying to correct this behavior. Poor guy.

The new task introduced tonight was the 'heel' command, follow by a 'sit' at a stop. So building off the dog already paying attention to his handler during the walk, he learns his proper positioning as well. It went pretty good. It will take some practice for it to all happen fluidly. Half the time the class seemed as graceful as a game of musical chairs.

I've said it before, but THE best part is my DH and I are creating an agreed upon system for encouraging and enforcing Bern's good behavior. The goal for us is to do the same thing, every single time, in the exact same way, verbally and non-verbally - we owe this to him. 

In theory, we hold up our end of the bargain and we have a consistently well-behaved, obedient dog!

I think it's totally doable. Looking forward to week 2!

 

*I need to share 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. Every step counts, so for obvious reasons I'm not attempting to instruct anyone here.

 

[Jodi and Stella]

Sounds like you are determined to make this work, great for you! A little time and work will bring you a lot of reward with your good boy Bernie, and it will make him happier too. They want to know how to behave, you just have to show them.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Yea! for you and for Bernie.  Second week will show more progress than you can imagine.

[Amy & Bernie]

Thanks so much Jennifer! And I know how you feel, believe me, I'm thrilled we finally found something that works for both of us. I'd recommend that to new puppy parents from here on out, do the research and find a training/obedience system that everyone in the house (who gets a vote) can be on board with 100%

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I'm impressed and also very happy that you and the Dh can totally make that agreement and stick to it. We've said that many times but the DH thinks of a better way of doing it. You will accomplish so muchmore as a team. Congrats!!