Bloggers new design

Not a fan of the the new control panel here on blogger. I'm actually lost. Stumbling my way around and here I just got the hang of the old site.

I've been a very bad training blogger. Seriously. No cookies for me. It might actually help if I actually had time to sit down and write, or atleast a video camera to record sessions. Video camera is on the list, by the way.

In other news, Darcie's registered name will hopefully be (still waiting on her papers to come in the mail) Edmar Tex-Sun You've Bewitched Me. Her registered name and call name match. A big click and treat to whoever can name what story they come from. :D

Off to go brace the Tri terror's ears.

 

 

 

Living with Darcie leaves me with little time to blog at the moment. As you can see, she is always on the go. :-)

Darcie's first few days

Darcie on the go!

It has been several years since I have had a puppy. I almost forgot how much they go go go!  There is so much for them to  see, do, and most importantly, learn.

  

She came to me with a "clean slate", so  we started on a few basics the first few days. 

• Walking on lead -  happily trotting with me on a fairly loose lead, without balking, fighting it, or taking off trying to go her own way. 
• Crate training - spending time in her crate when she could not be supervised, without throwing a hollering fit. Going in her crate happily and politely coming out when told. 
• House training - obviously, not pottying in the house. She caught on very fast and only had two accidents. A good rule of thumb for baby puppies is to let them out to potty after every meal, nap, play session, first thing in the morning, and last thing at night before bed.  
• Her Name - Her name means good things! 
• The Clicker - the clicker is one of many tools in my dog training toolbox. I love the freedom it gives, and personally, although I also teach a verbal marker, I like to start my dogs with a clicker at first. The first two sessions we "charged the clicker" (pairing it with food and building it's value.) 

So there you have it, it isn't fancy, but you always start with the basics, and build strong foundations, and go from there! 

 Every day a puppy is learning something, whether you are teaching them on purpose or not. It's very important to start showing them when young what is and is not acceptable.

Although I love to  train my dogs for, and compete in, the performance and conformation rings, most importantly I train them because they live with me everyday, as my pets, companions, and yes, friends. Even my non competition dogs are trained in basic obedience and manners. They need to learn how to live in our world, and deal with a variety of different situations. I think Ken Ramirez said it best when he said:  

"My message would be simple: training is not a luxury, but a key component to good animal care. Everyone who has a pet should understand that basic fact. Training is a way to enhance the quality of life for our pets. It is far more than just teaching a dog to do a cute trick. Training is about teaching a dog (or any animal) how to live in our world safely." 

Welcome, Darcie!

 

5 weeks

 

8 weeks

 

On her way home at 12 weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I have my work cut out for me. :-)