Starting Over

It's been a while since I posted here.  I continue to shoot video almost every day and post something on YouTube, but finding the time to post seems to have eluded me lately.

Long before I even saw Willie's photo, I made a list of all the things I wanted to accomplish with my new puppy.

Goal:  To create a puppy with drive and biddability who thinks working with the Mama is the greatest thing ever.  One who is friendly and well-mannered, and confident in the face of new experiences.  I'm hoping to create a send-me-in-coach attitude.

Manners and Everyday Life

SOCIALIZATION

COME

Sit

Look at That

Down

Mat

Crate

Housetrain

Quiet

Walk on a loose leash

Accustom to being left alone

Noise desensitization

Balance, Proprioception, Movement, Other Basic Stuff

Balance disc

Balance peanut

Buja Board

Skateboard

Small teeter

Distance training by sending to mat and hoop

Around

Leg Weaves
Platform work

Pivot

Straight backing

Verse (backing around me in a circle)

Side pass

Retrieve

Freestyle and Agility

Accurate positioning for heel and side

Side

Heel

Front

Left

Right

Spin

Twirl

Away

Bye

FX

BX

RX

Go

Stop

Out, Get Out

Line Up

I train in short two to three minute sessions and when a teachable moment arises.  Here's a video from two weeks ago showing Willie learning about the balance disc.  Willie quickly mastered the balance disc and is now comfortable sitting, standing or sprawling on it.

Today, I videoed our one of our leash work sessions.  Willie had never been on leash or worn a collar before he came to me, and views the leash as a tug toy.  To extinguish this habit, I wait for him to let go and then either continue our walk or gave him a treat.  He's doing nicely.