Reef took a trip to the ocean and sent photos to prove it.Ecko went to work with me while I was teaching classes last night and met a bunch of folks from my Puppy Agility class, as well as several of the smaller, calmer pups in the class. Today, she had a chance to visit with a super friendly cute Mini Schnauzer (Tilly) and Sheltie (Quincy), as well as several new people. Remember, extensive and on-going socialization is imperative for your puppy in the next few weeks.
Two of the things we have started working on with Ecko:
name recognition
It's important to teach your puppy that they should look at you when you say their name. I've started this by saying Ecko's name when she is already looking at me and rewarding her with verbal praise ("good puppy!) a treat, some pets or a toy. When it seems like she is catching on, I'll start to say her name when she isn't looking at me, but also isn't terribly distracted. If she looks at me when I say her name, she'll get a reward. Be careful not to use your pup's name as "white noise" or in a nagging way or it will lose it's effectiveness as an "attention-getting" cue.
come
Have two or more people sit on the floor with small, soft yummy treats for the puppy. One person captures the puppy and holds her, so she doesn't get distracted. Another person gets the puppy's attention (you can say puppy's name, clap your hands, whistle, or whatever else it takes) and then give "come" cue. The person who has called the puppy should praise the puppy as soon as the puppy starts towards them. The pup gets a treat upon arrival and is then "captured" until the next person calls her. Remember not to use your "come" command unless you are sure your puppy will do it, otherwise you will be practicing your mistakes! Many hundreds of successful and rewarding "recalls" are needed before your pup will have a reliable response to "come".
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