Well Vash hasn't actually been to class yet, but I've been working on the homework I was given from the last class all week and have noticed great improvements in our communication and Vash's general behavior.
This weeks homework was to "Charge the clicker", play a game to teach the basics of heel, "The Name Game", and the basics of an "attention" command.
First off...Charging the clicker was pretty easy. Vash seems to fully and completely understand a treat comes after the click within a days time. So much so that during the initial introduction phase he decided to get into my lap and try to click the clicker himself so he could get a treat. (Yes Vash likes to cheat)
Next was the heel game. Put peanutbutter on a spoon and when the pup gets near a heel position click and give him a lick. This is going well but not perfect yet. He will often pass me and wait for me to catch up to him to get a lick than to stay by my side (I told you he likes to cheat). Technically he fills the requirements, but it's not exactly what I wanted him to do.
Next up was the "Name Game". I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I placed cups with various treats all over the house and when ever Vash is distracted or not around I call his name once and then just say gibberish afterwards. He'll take off running towards me anytime I do this assuming he hears me. When he arrives I click and give him a treat. I also do this on walks because there are more distractions around like people on bikes, cars, birds, poop he would like to smell. I wouldn't say it's 100% recall yet but it's probably around 85% or more.
Finally attention. Hold the treat up to your nose to get your pup to look you in the eye, when he does it click & treat. Vash is doing really well on this front, at least until the click happens. Once I click the clicker his attention changes from looking at me to the noise that was made. I started holding the clicker at the same spot as the treat to help with this.
Using the clicker I have also been able to firm up his sit command. He seems to do it about 90% of the time now when I ask him to. And he's even begun to understand the daily routine of walking/coming inside and sitting down so I can remove his leash. And sitting/laying down on his own while I put his food/water down.
Overall in a weeks time he's come a long long way, perhaps we both have. Now I just need to figure out the best way for him to understand he's not allowed on the couch unless I'm on it
This weeks homework was to "Charge the clicker", play a game to teach the basics of heel, "The Name Game", and the basics of an "attention" command.
First off...Charging the clicker was pretty easy. Vash seems to fully and completely understand a treat comes after the click within a days time. So much so that during the initial introduction phase he decided to get into my lap and try to click the clicker himself so he could get a treat. (Yes Vash likes to cheat)
Next was the heel game. Put peanutbutter on a spoon and when the pup gets near a heel position click and give him a lick. This is going well but not perfect yet. He will often pass me and wait for me to catch up to him to get a lick than to stay by my side (I told you he likes to cheat). Technically he fills the requirements, but it's not exactly what I wanted him to do.
Next up was the "Name Game". I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I placed cups with various treats all over the house and when ever Vash is distracted or not around I call his name once and then just say gibberish afterwards. He'll take off running towards me anytime I do this assuming he hears me. When he arrives I click and give him a treat. I also do this on walks because there are more distractions around like people on bikes, cars, birds, poop he would like to smell. I wouldn't say it's 100% recall yet but it's probably around 85% or more.
Finally attention. Hold the treat up to your nose to get your pup to look you in the eye, when he does it click & treat. Vash is doing really well on this front, at least until the click happens. Once I click the clicker his attention changes from looking at me to the noise that was made. I started holding the clicker at the same spot as the treat to help with this.
Using the clicker I have also been able to firm up his sit command. He seems to do it about 90% of the time now when I ask him to. And he's even begun to understand the daily routine of walking/coming inside and sitting down so I can remove his leash. And sitting/laying down on his own while I put his food/water down.
Overall in a weeks time he's come a long long way, perhaps we both have. Now I just need to figure out the best way for him to understand he's not allowed on the couch unless I'm on it
