Welcome to 2015’s first Positive Pet Training Blog Hop, hosted by Cascadian Nomads, our new co-host Rubicon Days and myself. During 2014, Mr. N learned how to fetch, became certified as a therapy dog and improved his recall skills dramatically.
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| And worked on his balancing and perching skills! |
This year, I’d like to:
- Work on the hot dog retrieve. We did a training session or two over the holidays. I’ve gotten to the point where he will take it from my hand and drop it back in my hand. Mr. N thinks I have lost my mind and does not understand the point of the exercise yet.
- Teach Mr. N one or two of the flashy tricks: skateboarding, jump rope, foot stalls etc.
- Add a few titles to his name. Lure coursing, and maybe his CGC this year.
- Teach him how to heel! He walks nicely on a loose leash so I haven’t really bothered but Bethany suggested it as a way to teach focus and attention and to wear him out(?) so I’m putting this on the list.
- Look for truffles. A friend told me that if I teach Mr. N to sniff them out, she knows someone who has truffles on their land and will let us search.
I’m also going to ClickerExpo in Portland later this month so I’m sure I’ll have lots of new training ideas after that.
What are your training goals for 2015?
January 5, 2015 11:29 am
LOL! If I sat on that stack of boxes, it would be flat! Have fun with all your tricks!
January 5, 2015 11:21 pm
I was a little concerned as to whether it would hold Mr. N safely!
January 5, 2015 11:42 am
What fun goals. Meanwhile I have a feeling a K9 Fitbone is in my future. *gulp*
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 5, 2015 11:21 pm
They're fun, Cupcake!
January 5, 2015 12:57 pm
A truffle-finder! I was just thinking of that this weekend, when two of my dogs insisted on digging into our mulch in multiple spots to find…my daffodil bulbs? What was up with that? Maybe I should teach them to use their noses elsewhere…
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.
January 5, 2015 3:37 pm
I so need help in training my pugs everything. I cannot get them to sit still long enough to learn a new trick. HELP
January 6, 2015 12:08 am
Have you tried teaching them targeting? It's pretty basic, they'd be moving around and you could "cheat" by pre-scenting your hand with something meaty.
January 5, 2015 4:03 pm
You are going to have one busy year Mr T good luck! Love Dolly
January 5, 2015 4:21 pm
You had a great year! Keep it up for 2015 Mr.N 🙂
January 5, 2015 5:17 pm
My mom has worked a little on teaching her corgi truffle sniffing. The first class she took focused mostly on what you have already taught- don't eat the found object!!! The CGC is a breeze with pretty much nothing but a focused heel so you can meet two goals in one cue. The number one tool in teaching a small dog to heel (next to the clicker) is a long handled spoon so you don't hurt your back bending over to give treats.
January 6, 2015 12:09 am
I just tried the Leanlix with Mr. N. He's not very into it. What did you put on the spoon? He's not a fan of peanut butter.
January 5, 2015 5:30 pm
I'm thrilled to be joining you and Bethany as a host for this hop. Those are some great goals! We have been working on Ruby's take/drop as well because I'd love to teach her to pick up her toys and put them back in the basket!
January 6, 2015 12:09 am
Welcome! Glad you reminded me, people have been asking for a toy cleanup post. Next month!
January 5, 2015 11:08 pm
It sounds like you have a good balance of fun and useful training planned, and a great year to follow up on. We'll be sharing a post tomorrow on our goals and more…I'm exciting to be joining your hop for the first time (even if I'm a day late).
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
January 6, 2015 12:05 am
Glad you're joining us!
January 6, 2015 1:29 am
Those are some really awesome goals! I like teaching heelwork! It's fun! 😀
January 7, 2015 12:57 am
The truffle search sounds fun!
January 7, 2015 3:50 am
What an accomplished little terrier!! Congratulations on all you have achieved and I know you'll succeed in all your goals for this year.
That video is so cute. Good boy!
January 7, 2015 4:55 am
Oh Mr. N – I'd love to see you skateboarding. Go for it!
January 19, 2015 11:07 pm
Mr. N. you are one active little dog…