Today was the last day of Puppy Kindergarten. Lizzie is 5 months, a couple weeks. Home for 2 months and a bit.
Erik, Lizzie and I were the only students who showed up for the review/graduation today, so we just got an hour of personalized attention from the proprietor. I’m fully all-in on her worldview. Dogs want to be good dogs. People are bad at explaining to dogs how to be good dogs. Do that, consistently, and dogs will have richer, wider lives.
The class was just a few weeks of the basics: sit, down, leash communication, foundations of recall and place that will eventually become more reliable recall and stricter stay. Other dogs exist, and they aren’t always your business. The class isn’t really for Lizzie. she picks up on everything with a couple repetitions. The class is for myself and Erik, to remind us how we need to work with her.
It’s a bit of a bummer it’s ending now, because i feel like I’m just getting started and need to stay engaged. There’s a new cycle starting up, and I may sign up for that, to keep myself consistent and accountable.
That’s “all” you have to do to have a good dog: Communicate simply and consistently for a year and a half so they learn your expectations. Do this in a variety of situations so they generalize what “Good Behavior” is. Keep doing it. After 2 years, you can relax slightly. It’s straightforward, but not easy.
Lizzie is good at:
- Sit: Reliable on this, with a cue of a closed fist, or leash pressure.
- Walking with me: Is pretty good at walking at my side, and not pulling.
- “Place”, or “hang out in this spot for a while”. Mostly, dogs want to be with us and part of our lives. They want to know what we’re doing. Teaching a dog to participate in my life by being still and observing will wider her breath of experiences.
- Potty Training: Accidents are few, far between, and usually reliably due to humans missing a cue.
- Crate: Overnight crates are fine. She can be home alone in crate for up to 4 hours without concern.
Lizzie is OK at:
- Down: She understands the concept, and when she flops down, she’s DOWN, but asking her to down when it’s not her idea? Sus.
- Various Cute Tricks, like “Shake” and “Tum” (roll tummy up). We’re working on “Wave”, inspired by our Friend Corgi.
Lizzie will want more practice on:
- She is getting pretty used to greeting dogs by default. We need more practice with dogs she won’t form relationships with.
- Continued consistency on everything!!
Lizzie is 40-50 pounds right now. Her hair is shiny and silky, and beginning to grow long and swoopy. I remain curious to see how long her adult coat will be. Her ears are silky tassels. She is a licker. She always wants to be in the most comfortable spot possible
Lizzie & Luca… she’s A Lot for him. I’m trying to figure out how much to run interference. I have gotten into the habit of 1 day in-office with both dogs, 1 day with Lizzie, and 1 day with Luca. That way everyone gets some 1:1 time, and Luca gets some rest.
She’s good with the cats. She thinks she and Lucky are friends, but she plays a little rough. She is extremely respectful of the kittens. She tries to give them space and explain to them she’s not a threat. They are at a continued stalemate, and I’ll take it.
So far, we’re doing well. I love this little dog, and I love watching her brain work and her wheels turn.
Notebook 