As you are well aware, your new puppy is adorable—and beautiful! Her face is to die for! Based on our first lesson, I think you have the makings of a great dog and I appreciate your giving me the opportunity to help her reach her potential. She’s really smart, so it’s good that you’re going to give her a sound foundation. Every minute you spend now will pay big dividends in the future—and may help you stay one step ahead of her.
Here are some reminders for you to work on. Remember to engage her in interactive play like tugging or wrestling every few minutes during a learning session. Right now she has the attention span of a gnat! The balance of play and discipline will be the measure of your future relationship.
“HERE:” keep a drag line on her and call her to you—you can run backwards to encourage her. Then celebrate: “GOOD HERE!!!” Reward with treats.
“SIT:” remember to keep her head up and the treat right near her nose
“OKAY:” This is your release word
“DOWN:” Keep the treat right by her nose. Move it slowly down and in front of her. If she doesn’t go down you’re either moving the treat too fast or too far in front of her. Wait for a second or two before you release her.
“STAND:” Again, lure with the treat and have her hold for a second or two. You can put one finger under her loin to remind her to stand.
“TUG:” use a special toy that she only gets when she plays with you. Make it rough and tumble and let her win sometimes. We didn’t talk about “GIVE,” but if she doesn’t let go tell her to “GIVE” and pop a treat in her mouth.
“TAKE IT:” Roll the special ball between the two of you and try and have her “BRING” it back. Don’t force her, but use the drag line gently.
“GO POTTY OR GET BUSY:” Go ballistic when she does it!
Lots of hands-on praise and lots of treats. Don’t worry about the ZOOMIES! They’re completely normal. Just get a video camera, stand back and watch her go crazy. Try taking her for a short walk on lead. You can also get a Flexi and take her to the park. The good news is that after the zoomies, they usually crash!
As always, please call me with any questions or concerns.
Rachel
310-717-0740
619-445-1777
