Training at 25 Weeks – Ahead of the Game

Teddy is six months old and started basic training when he was only 13 weeks. So he is ahead on the typical learning curve. I was confident that Teddy could handle it, and Teddy has with flying colors! Last Sunday, Teddy’s trainer, Nobu Endo, My Puppy Rocks! Dog Training (www.mypuppyrocks.com) came to our home again. He has been working with Teddy in Private In-Home Sessions because we thought that would be best. Nobu was profoundly pleased with Teddy’s progress. He also praised Jim and I because it was evident we put in the due diligence of time and effort with Teddy. We practice Teddy’s training multiple times each day. The key to success in dog training, as it is in so many other things, is time, patience, and consistency. Nobu uses positive reinforcement to teach and encourage dogs to think and make good choices rather than using choke collars and pinch collars as a form of punishment.

One of my goals for Teddy that is extremely important to me is good behavior while walking on a leash. As I have said so many times now, I want to be able to take Teddy on walks with me. Candy set the bar very high because she is still a stellar walking companion. So my expectations for Teddy are the following:

• no pulling
• no jumping
• keeping his attention on me while walking

Seems like such simple requests, but Teddy is still a baby, and there is a whole new world of smells at the park. Dogs primarily sense their world through their nose, and it is unrealistic for me to expect him not to take notice. This week we have made a big leap forward and have walked to the park each morning just as the sun is coming up. It is beautiful for me, and there are fewer distractions for him. I am proud to say that Teddy has improved tremendously!

Teddy has now graduated from training sessions with Nobu every two weeks to once a month. I think a cap and gown are in order!