You've come a long way, baby (Maggie update)

[Stacy]

So, after the spectacular fail that was scent work I had high hopes for Maggie’s tricks class. And I am so happy to say that it’s a success. After the second week we already have 5 tricks that will qualify for our title. Now, it’s nothing that will shock or inspire… but hey a trick is a trick! She can crawl, put 2 paws on a box, spin (we’re still working on that one) puppy pushups, hand signal sit, and jump over a jump. There are other things we are working on too, but those will get us some letters behind her name. It helps a lot that in novice you can lure with treats. They’re almost making it too easy.

I love the instructor for this class. She’s young and still likes people and dogs. She’s patient with us when Maggie is hesitant and reluctant to offer behaviors. She’s new at instructing the classes, but I would take her any day. She’s great! That’s in contrast to Willow’s beginner obedience instructor, who I think is teaching this class to give her a valid excuse to insult people. I’ve been trying to compose an update to that class, but every time it gets to two pages single spaced I put it away for editing - no one wants to read that!

I took the opportunity before class started to do a little obedience work with Maggie and you guys, she looks really good. We even did a little bit of off leash healing. She lags a little bit, but she has good attention and she stays right with me. We’ll get there.

The other thing I wanted to comment on is her eye contact. It’s amazing. This is the same dog who didn’t want to be in the same room with me. She sits at my side and she watches me like I’m the best thing since bacon. That trust. The feeling is kind of overwhelming. I’ve said it before, I wasn’t sure we would get there. There were times when I secretly wondered why I was being punished for the next 15 years with a dog who hated me. But she’s my girl, and I’m her person. I’m not sure there’s a better feeling than earning that trust and being judged worthy. I’m just so proud of Maggie and what she’s overcome. She’s a living example of never give up. Maybe it’s weird, but I find myself inspired by my dog.

[Stacy]

I think it would be similar to trying to raise a child using pure positive methods. Can you imagine if your child was throwing a temper tantrum, and you just kept giving them M&Ms? I would be bad to get candy! I'm not saying you should be mean to them, but perhaps they need a time out instead of a reward? 

I try to use mostly positive reinforcement for training, but I am yet to find a reward that is more rewarding than trying to chase a cat on a walk. They love to go for walks. The only way we can go is if I can have some degree of control. I will stay home before I let them drag me down the street. The pure positive trainer I had working with Maggie is great - I really like him. But his training for loose lead walking has you stuck in the driveway for potentially months. The prong collar has us out on adventures. And I only have to remind them a little bit that I would like my arm to stay attached to my body.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, and lagging is much easier to correct than being too far ahead on the heels. I'd take that any day over the dog who is just the tiniest bit too far forward and angled in, not to mention any names. I knew I was going to step on his foot any day, and of course it happened in class. :(

[Stacy]

Poor Jasper. I'm not going to lie. I step on their feet all the time. I try not to, but darn it, if they would just stay on their side it wouldn't happen. I always apologize, but they never even act like they notice. 

Maggie is the nicest leash walking dog I've ever had. Willow is doing amazingly well for a 7 month old puppy too. Katie... I take her to the off leash park! I've learned a lot since she was a baby and I acted like she was too young to learn to behave for the first 2 years of her life.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Um, Jasper noticed, lol. I'm pretty sure people in the next county heard him shriek, the little drama king. :D

[Stacy]

Hurt his pride a little? I wonder, do you think they learn from things like that? The cause and effect of, if I walk where I'm supposed to, mom won't step on me.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You would hope they learn from it, but I'm not making any bets here, lol. 

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

This is exactly what I'm dealing with now with the puppy Zeke.  I'm finding it hard to walk, because I have to constantly look at my feet.  The slightest distraction like a dog barking or piece of paper on the sidewalk, &  I almost land face first on the ground trying to miss him!  I shouldn't complain - he's doing very well for a 12 week old.  I'll be glad when he's had all his shots and we can get out and about more.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good for you for getting started on this at such a young age! It will definitely pay off later! 

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

Thanks!  He's a little lover boy.  He's also a good eater - and that makes it much easier!  lol

[Stacy]

I'm impressed! I didn't start Willow's leash training that young - of course she didn't even come to me until she was 17 weeks. That first part, where you're trying not to step on them or trip over them is not the fun part. But it's so rewarding down the road when people look at you and wonder how they can get their dog to behave as well as yours. I like that feeling, which causes me to take them for more walks, which causes them to get even better at it. I have a little operant conditioning going on with myself. 

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

So glad Maggie is doing so well!  You're doing great!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

You are such a great puppy/dog parent!  The kind I aspire to be when I have more time (hah! Maybe in 15 years...). For now we are settling for reasonably well behaved dogs who get along with our kids and neighbors :p 

I am thoroughly impressed with Riley's dog greeting skills, she is very gentle and calm.  People greeting skills need some work as she has a tough time keeping all her paws on the ground.  She is very smart but also not very treat nor ball motivated (and she is VERY STUBBORN) which makes training a bit troublesome at times.