Educating Citizen Canine

Dieter started Kindergarten at Narnia Pet Behavior and Training  on February 19. We had already been working with him on "sit" and waiting by the back door to let the human go our first (it's all about being the pack leader). The going out exercise is always entertaining to watch...or listen to. I hear the door opening, Lloyd saying "me first," the door slamming, and Lloyd again intoning "Wait. me first." Repeat umpteen times.

Both of Dieter's human parents liked the training class. Lloyd says it's the best training he's ever been to and wishes he'd had something like this when he was training his old dogs.

Dieter was definitely the biggest puppy there (he weighed about 34 pounds at the start of class). I think some people were scared of him. There were 7 puppies: a husky that would not stop barking, a golden doodle, a Sharpei/Bulldog mix, a Rottie or Rottie mix, a Papillon, and one that looked like a little mop. The husky carried on so much the instructors put up a little gate between it and the dog next to it and hung a blanket over it so it wouldn't focus on the other dog. It still yapped and yapped incessantly.

Taking it nice.

 

We worked on  "take it nice;" "stand," and "sit." For take it nice they'd put a little dab of Cheez Whiz on our palms and have the dog lick it off. At the end we did an exercise that involved grabbing the puppy's collar, saying "gotcha," saying their release work (Dieter's is: "you're free"), and removing the leash. Finally it dawned on Dieter: I'm not on my leash anymore! He ran and ran. The little Papillon was right there, playing with Dieter. I think the owners were afraid Dieter would have their dog for a snack, so the instructors moved the littler dogs (and the timid golden doodle) in another area. Dieter and the husky did a lot of chasing around, and Dieter also sent the Rottie flying several times. All involved said it was great fun. 

 

I told Lloyd that this is Dieter's first time with puppies since leaving his litter mates. I think he enjoyed it.

The trainer said that Dieter seemed well adjusted and nice and definitely not aggressive. The trainer noted that she's had many shepherds in training who'd hide under chairs, growl, and whimper. So hooray for Dieter!!! 

We also get homework assignments. If you do your homework or answer/ask questions during class, you get a "bonus bone" slip of paper. At the end of class there are drawings for free stuff and 1/2 off on further training. Dieter tried to eat one of the bonus bone slips of paper. Sigh. All in all, it was lots of fun.

 

One of the most fun exercises, in Dieter's estimation, was learning to walk nicely on the leash. It's cool because it involves a plastic spoon (pretty interesting) and some Cheez Whiz (OMG!!!). He gets it all over his face, but is so focused on the spoon that he doesn't realize he's walking like a good boy.