Basic Training Begins

We’re so busy training puppies, that there’s just enough time for the rest of life—cooking, cleaning, and schooling!  But, we have a lot to share that’s transpired in the last month of our puppies’ lives.

We left via Yosemite.

Cody, just outside of Yellowstone.

Three weeks ago, we traveled one thousand miles from California to Wyoming with eleven dogs and six children. That experience has its own blog post in case you missed it.  Needless to say, it was an experience we won’t soon forget!

A pit-stop in Nevada

Since then, we’ve settled into our new location in Cody, Wyoming and hit the ground running!  Basic obedience training began two weeks ago for each of the puppies who were just at the 10 week mark.  It is so rewarding to train a smart dog!  

We have a training rotation in place to rotate all of the future service dogs between our four lead trainers.  This allows each of us to concentrate on one or two dogs each week (depending on the trainer) and really develop a connection with that dog.  Then the next week, we rotate dogs so that each dog is experiencing a different handler and their different training mannerisms.  Although we all as trainers have a consistent method of training, we are each unique in our particular style.  This gives the dogs the opportunity to adjust to different personalities and respond appropriately.

A junior trainer ready for action.

Always ready for training.

As I worked with my charge today, a sweet chocolate male who reminds us of his Papa Bailey, I was quite pleased with how well he had “come”, “sit”, and “down” mastered.  We worked on “stay” and he picked it up so quickly and eagerly.  These dogs are so eager to work and pick up basic obedience readily.  As with child training, consistency and kindness accompanied with firmness are key elements to successful training.

Kindness and Consistency are Key for children and dogs!

Dog Books

There are many reading sources on the market concerning dogs, dog training, dog breeding, dog health, and many other things pertaining to dogs.  We have found some great books that we wholeheartedly endorse. Two of our favorites are both written by a lady who been in the dog training arena for over 40 years~ Debby Kay knows what she's talking about when it comes to scent training!  The Super Sniffer Drill Book is a great book if you want to do any kind of scent work with your dog.  The other, The Super Sniffer Hand Book is geared more towards training medical service dogs.  Both of these books are very reliable and we use them every day in our training.

If you are entering the dog breeding circles there is another book by Debby Kay called The Labrador Breeders Handbook that is a great addition to your bookshelf.   Dog Breeders Professional Secrets is another great book for your breeding program, it is very informational and interesting.

However, not many people are going to need these books for their bookshelf.  Most dog owners are just wanting a well-trained dog that minds its manners and can do a few cool tricks.  So far our favorites are written by the Monks of New Skete. They have written some great books about creating the best home for you and your dog.  They teach many things about training and raising puppies and dogs.  Smellorama! Nose Games for Dogs is also a very fun book to entertain you and your dog.

Enjoy your puppies this spring season!!!!

Junior trainer on duty

The coach

What was that?

 Having kid friendly dogs are very big in our book. They MUST be able to handle whatever a rambunctious child could bring to the table.

What would happen to a service dog if it was rushed by a enthusiastic three year old and snapped in surprise? The child was only showing her love for dogs, however the dog was not socialized well with children and snapped. Unfortunately this dog would most likely be put down, or dismissed from service.
What a sad ending for a great dog this would be. Its only downfall was not enough socialization with youngsters.

Our crew of junior trainers are in charge of kid proofing our dogs. The two year old in this picture is often found laying atop one of the dogs, playing ball, or even ordering them to sit and lie down.

Love you!