Week 41

Forty down (Eleven to go – yes, I know it doesn’t equal 52!)

Accomplished Last Week:

Core Studies: Worked a ton on Sits, Downs, Comes, Zen, and Target and he can now pass all Level 1 Step 2 items except Zen, just need to video it. Worked some on moving with the leash while at the Sports Center but it’s too distracting a place to really do it well. His focus when I have food, or when he wants me to get him food is amazing. Wish I could bottle it and break it out when puberty hits!

Citizenship: Met lots of new people, both the sort that pass by with a pet and those that lingered. He’s making great progress on his Rules of Twelve, the only place where we are really falling behind is the “Eat out of twelve things” part.

Just For Fun: Worked on everything, and while “Shake” isn’t happening, all the rest is going well. “Find It!” is mostly me setting a cookie on the floor, holding him back, and releasing him with a happy “Find It!” – but it’s a start!

Family Member: Worked on every single thing, and he’s doing wonderfully! In fact, the only think that he’s struggling with at all is Zen.

Extracurricular: His is learning to Drop It! I’m really surprised, given how young he is. The only thing I didn’t work on was the Wobble Board – as I couldn’t find anything good to use.

Big Dog Section: Zachary finished Retrieve(!) and his Finish is looking pretty good as well. It’s not very straight, but I’m not it has to be for Level Four. Need to check. Worked on him picking up dropped things, but he seemed unsure. Need to find better things to drop. He’s still dropping his gaze during the About-Turn of Heel, and I need to find a better way to explain it.

Released Video:

• Henry - Training Level One Step One
• Zachary - Training Level's Four (Retrieve)
• Big Dog - Little Dog Play Time

Blog:

• Portrait of a Puppy
• Wordless Wednesday
• Henry the Brave
• Puppy Progress
• Stuck!

Planned for Next Week:

Big Dog Section (Zachary): Dropping Scenting – just don’t have the time to drum up people to scent things. As it’s optional, it’s probably dropped for good. Added in TL5 Retrieve to replace it.

Henry (The Rest): Added in some Level One Step Three things, as he knows most Step Two items and I just need to video them. Dropped “Clip Nails” as the Groomer has been doing it when I take him to visit (yes, that’s probably cheating) but added in Bath as he needs one! Dropped Housetraining (he’s got it) and added Car Rides and Baby-Gate, the latter beginning to be a problem as he’s now heavy enough to push the flimsy wooden one over if he really tries.

(As always, click to see larger)