This is one happy dog. He’s either thinking about his favorite treat, a long walk on the leash, or the way he chased the neighbor’s cat up the tree last night.
Do you have a silly dog? I’d be happy to post your pup’s photo on Silly Dog Sunday.
If your puppy is romping all over the place or balking when you go for a walk, consider teaching it to heel. What is heeling? Heeling is an obedience exercise in which the dog stays close beside you, paying attention only to you and where you are going. As your puppy grows up, heeling will become the safe way for you to walk your dog through crowds and across streets, ignoring all the distractions, from taunting squirrels to truck tires. It is a good lesson for basic obedience because you’ll be taking your new puppy outside on leash to eliminate and you can practice three times on each trip - on your way out, after he relieves himself, and coming back inside.
This will not be the heeling exercise as done in obedience class, but more of a lesson in “pre-heeling” because you can begin off-lead anywhere that’s safe, indoors or out. And instead of “Heel,” use the friendlier “Let’s go!”
Begin by getting the pup’s attention as he’s trotting along next to you, to make him conscious of what he is doing. Some pups will follow if you lean over, quietly clapping your hands in front of their nose; some like to hear cheerful chatter; others just want to go wherever you go. As you move along, you can add an occasional, “Sparky, watch me!” No doubt by now you’ve noticed that some one-word commands are actually two or three words. Just run them together and your puppy will catch on perfectly.
Hold his attention by walking just quickly enough to make the puppy want to keep up with you. If he’s not paying attention, stop and begin again. No correction. It all begins with just one step in the right direction, followed by verbal praise. Following a treat that smells good may get him started, but if a young pup’s attention is totally elsewhere, this is simply not the right moment for a lesson. A few minutes of playtime, followed by a drink of water, may put him back on track to try again. If not, wait until another time. You can practice anywhere, anytime, on or off leash. As you notice him walking next to you, take advantage of the opportunity to get in a speedy, “Let’s go! - good dog.” (I prefer using a clicker to provide immediate positive reinforcement.)
Be realistic in what you expect of a puppy. A few steps on command earn a reward. A few more steps earn a reward. A week later Sparky is heeling nicely, so praise and quit practicing immediately! Practice again later. Puppies arrive in the winter, too, when outside lessons are not possible. A long hallway or a basement is perfect for indoor training. No distractions, limited space so your pup cannot go too far wrong, and you’re sure to have his attention because you are the most fascinating thing around.
Add some right turns for variety and to be sure he is really paying attention. As you make the turn, bend over and clap your hands to keep him on course. Left turns are harder because you have more to do. Put your left foot in front of the pup to gently guide him into the turn. Careful, or you’ll step on the pup and he won’t think this game is very much fun! However, if your left foot happens to bump the puppy, or he plows into it, don’t apologize. If he thinks it was his mistake, he will learn to pay closer attention. Repeat the “Watch me” signal.
Finally, as you train your puppy, keep in mind that there are different training methods. I actually prefer Clicker Training, but you may want to use traditional treat or praise reward methods.
Additional Resources:
Getting Started Clicker Training Kits
Karen Pryor Clickertraining site.
This poor little guy needs braces! Photo by mproe.
As I looked at the over 800 entries in the Problogger Top 5 Group Writing Project, a few posts really caught my eye.
* Luvmutt has a hysterical list of top five dog facial expressions. If you’re feeling a little down, you have got to take a look at those goofy faces!
* Shih Tzu Planet offers the top five things about the Shih Tzu. If you’re thinking about adopting one of these terrific little dogs, this list is sure to help you decide to do so.
* Karen Shanley offers five facts that can help you decide whether the Australian Shepherd is right for you and your family.
I know I sound like one of those doting parents that whip out a whole wad of pictures whenever anyone stands near them for more than three seconds, but my dogs are the most wonderful creatures on the face of the earth. Want proof? Here goes.
1. If I’m having a rotten day, they try to make it better. Sophie curls up with me and licks my hand while Rocky rests his head on my lap or my foot. I don’t know why getting dog spit on your hand is comforting, but it is.
2. They’ve endured the torture of being hugged and petted by little kids for hours on end without more than an eye roll. (It was a really big eye roll, but still just an eye roll.)
3. They get really, really excited when I give them something, even if it is a piece of bread crust. To put this wonderful character trait in perspective - I’ve given children fifty dollar video games and they’ve complained that they wanted a seventy five dollar game instead with nary a thank you in sight. (unless you count the thank you/apology I got a few hours later when their mother found out about the whining.)
4. I never have to throw out leftovers. These dogs are more than happy to help out with cleaning up the remains of dinner.
5. Sophie is the bogeyman that the big mice tell the baby mice about before bedtime. That’s right-with 2 cats on the premises, it was the little dog that caught that troublesome little mouse that has been rampaging through the house all winter.
For more top five posts, visit Problogger.com’s group writing project.
The four-way dispute over the 13-year-old pet was so intense, an attorney was appointed to represent the dog’s interest. On Monday, the judge decided the man’s divorced parents should split custody, The Commercial Appeal reported.
For the two losers in the battle over this well loved Golden Retriever, may I recommend a visit to the local shelter or rescue? There are so many wonderful dogs that need help out there and you all seem like devoted pet people.
Photo by ltshears
Do you have a silly dog? I’d be delighted to profile your pup on Silly Dog Sunday. Today, we have my poor Rocky, who despite being a Standard Poodle isn’t the brightest dog. You can see how hard he is thinking as he tries to puzzle out what I’m telling him to do:
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