Week 3: Obedience class review

[Amy & Bernie]

This week we were working on being in "the heel zone" as I call it, basically the dog's snout stays near your knees, there's a little wiggle room but not much. If he's in "the heel zone" you can easily go left, right or stop and your dog is in position to know exactly what you're doing and adjust himself accordingly.

This is tough. We're getting better, and it's not Bern, it's us. 90% of the time a simple heel with him not pulling and walking within a foot or two of us totally works. But I will say in crowded areas or when passing other dogs, people, children, flying leaves...I'm totally reminded of the benefit of "the heel zone"! Basically we need to stick with it, no exceptions, until Bernie knows that "heel" means "right by my side, snout in line with my knees" - because then we'll be able to call him to a "heel" when we know we'll be passing another dog, entering a crowd, etc. When he's not called to a "heel" he's free to walk (without pulling of course) within a reasonable range on his leash with a little more freedom.

I've learned some more important things. Again, every one of these light bulb moments should be a no brainer, but it's so much easier to say it's a good idea than it is to consistently practice it!

First, not feeding Bernie before class HELPS. We were told not to and I forgot last week and boy was he sleepy and bored after about 35 minutes! Last night he got to play with a treat ball before we left the house, but didn't get dinner, and his attention span was increased dramatically. I always want to nap after lunch so this really makes complete sense.

Second, we practice every chance we get. This obedience program is all about repetition and we're taking that to heart. Before he goes outside, every single time, we tell him to "heel" (which means come stand right next to me, then we tell him to "sit" then "stay". He has to hold his sit-stay even after we open the door, until we say ok. We do this every time he goes out, every time we bring him in, every time we put his bowl down for breakfast and dinner. We've increased his "heel" and sit-stay practice 10 fold and it's definitely paying off.

It seems like a lot to remember, but once they get the hang of it it doesn't take up any additional time, it's second nature. And we're already getting to the point, after 3 weeks, where he's anticipating a lot of this, so our verbal commands are decreasing. He wants to go out, we go stand by the back door, he comes around and sits next to us, and doesn't immediately shoot out the door once it's cracked open, he actually looks up at us - amazing - and waits for direction!

For those of you who might think Bernie's "gifted" or something, thank you, and he does deserve praise - but honestly - we never would have thought he'd catch on like this. So if you're frustrated all I can say is BE CONSISTENT.

Whichever training method or philosophy you go with:

1. Be consistent (You might be late to a couple appointments at first getting used to practicing the sit-stay and heel on the way out the door. Be okay with this!)

2. Find reasons to practice (It may seem silly to you, and even a little bossy, but the dog doesn't know any different, make him sit-stay while you butter your toast)

3. Find distractions, get out (Unless you only plan on walking your dog in the living room, he'll have learned nothing useful until he becomes predictable in real life situations)

And finally, based on my positive experience, I'd highly recommend going with a single training method or philosophy. Everyone on here is so helpful, you've all helped me, and if you have one or two random issues then I'd totally ask for other people's advice, but if you're starting from scratch, or want to start over from scratch, go with something you can reference, that covers all your issues AND things you didn't consider. I wouldn't recommend making things up as you go or trying different methods every month hoping for a "cure"- we did that - it didn't work.

This week we're working more and more on the sit-stay, the down-stay and the stand-stay. This may be cheating, but I like to work on these after a training walk. Bern's had a chance to get some energy out, his training walks have improved so much it's a positive experience, not an exasperating one, and because he's been exercised the "stay" is a lot more reliable! He's happy to plant his butt down and stare at me after a walk =)

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good job guys! WOW sounds exhausting Bernie!! Keep up the good work so mom can brag about you!

[Amy & Bernie]

I like the bed making idea! I'm going to steal it. Thanks so much for all the positive feedback Jodi!

[Jodi and Stella]

Sounds like Bernie is doing awesome! (and you too!) You have some great tips and I get a lot from your training updates. We do the sit/stay with Stella before going outside too and it has now become a habit and part of her routine without command, it is also a good safety practice to keep her from bolting out the front door. When I make the bed (which she likes to "help" with) I practice with her sit/stay until I have finished, then she can jump up on it. She also has learned to "sit to say please" and sits without command for things like treats, getting her leash on for a walk or other rewarding things. I think a lot of this stuff is like the "Nothing in Life is Free" philosophy which I learned about from Doodlekisses. (you can google it) Great job Amy!