As you are well aware, Hobie is adorable. I really think you have the makings of a great dog and I appreciate your giving me the opportunity to help him reach his potential. He’s very smart, so it’s great that you’re giving him a sound foundation. Every minute you put into him now will pay big dividends in the future.
Here’s recap of his first lesson—with the help of your notes!
· CostCo is a great resource for Pampered Pet Treats, Raw Chicken Wings, Fish Oil or Vitamin E Oil capsules. Give him one or two chicken wings every few days—thoroughly defrosted and not cooked. Give him one vitamin capsule per day. This will help his coat be nice and shiny. Their canned food is also excellent, as is the Swanson’s chicken broth which you can use to moisten his food once in awhile.
· Daniel’s has a freezer in the back by the meat section for dogs. They have great marrow bones and ground up chicken. You can use the chicken to mix in with his kibble. The bones can be used over and over and after all the good stuff is gone you can smear them with smooth peanut butter and continue to use them. Use the peanut butter in a Kong toy, too. Keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to use.
· Rite-Aide or Wal-Mart have good kiddy pools to use on the patio. Only use an inch or two of water to begin with
· Homemade toys: 1) take a small packing box and put a few treats inside. Then tape it up with masking tape and let him work to tear it apart and get the treat. 2)Roll up newspapers into a “log” and wrap with making tape to make another tear-apart toy. Messy to clean up, but will keep him busy for hours. 3) put a toy inside an old sock or panty hose and tie a knot in the end
· Remember to rotate his toys and not to give him too many at any one time.
· Keep the tennis ball and ducky for interactive play only with you. Keep repeating the words “ball” and “ducky” so he learns the difference.
· Use ducky as a tug toy and tell him to “tug!” Remember to keep it low and on the ground to entice him to chase it. Tell him to “tug” and let him win once in awhile.
· Tell him to “give” to release a toy and pop a treat in his mouth. You should already have the treat in your hand.
· Tell Hobie to “take-it” and toss the ball or ducky out a short way from you. Then tell him to “bring” it back to you. Have him “give” and pop in a treat.
· Tell him to “find ducky” and “hide” it (so he can see it) behind your back.
· Work on “leave-it” and try to get eye contact.
· Tell him “look-look” and point to your eyes whenever you get eye contact.
· Say “show me the belly” whenever he offers it to you and love him to pieces.
· Say “kiss-kiss” whenever he’s giving you kisses.
· Keep his drag line on him whenever you’re around.
· Say “Hobie, Come!” and gently coax him to you and reward with a treat. You may have to lure him with a cookie and run back so he’s tempted to follow.
· Ask him to “stand” and lure him with a treat. Hold for a moment and then give him the cookie.
· Ask him to “sit” and hold his collar so he tucks his bottom forward rather than rocking back. Put the treat right on his nose and move it up and back to get a good sit.
· After he performs tell him “good____.” Like, “good sit,” “good come,” etc.
· Corrections that come from God are the best kind so he doesn’t know when they’re coming and doesn’t associate them with you being there. You can use a soda can with a few pennies taped inside.
· Standardize your command for “go potty” or “get busy.” Say it quietly to get him going and as he’s going. Party like a rock star when he’s finished!!!
· Withhold water after 6 or 7 PM and cover his crate with a blanket to make it more den-like.
· Don’t ever let him out of his crate if he’s whining or barking. Wait until he’s quiet—even if it’s only for a few seconds. It’s fine to tell him to “be quiet!” or to bang the side of the crate to break his attention. Try not to let him escalate into a tantrum.
· Take him for several short walks every day. Don’t avoid the heat, even though he probably won’t like it.
· Try the 7/7 rule every week: 7 new people (old, young, fat, skinny, etc.) and 7 new experiences (surfaces, places, games). I’ll ask you to report progress on his reactions.
This is a lot for you and the little guy, so be patient and call me with any questions or concerns. See you soon.
Happy tails,
Rachel
310-717-0740
619-445-1777
