Puppy Training: where to start
One-on-One Instruction:
Overnight board & train:
The above videos illustrate a technique referred to as shaping. We started with “shaping” this puppy to touch objects and then moved specifically to the bells.
Day three of a board and train with a 16 week old Golden. Working on movement, handling, sequencing, basic behaviors. The earlier you can get your puppy started, the better.
We like to incorporate a lot of cooperative care, exposure to the world, movement, and handling; as well as core foundational skills we believe are critical for every puppy or dog. Some things we like to address during puppy sessions are:
How does my puppy learn (arousal vs. drive, extracting talent and assessing talent)
Understanding the types of rewards we can use and how to use them and when (verbal praise, toys, petting, food)
Understanding open and closed sources, how to handle, hold and distribute food to manipulate positioning
Hierarchy of rewards and when they are necessary or recommended (upgrading and downgrading)
Housebreaking
Crate training (driving in, settling, and release cue)
Addressing separation anxiety, attachment and independence/confidence (incremental crating while present)
Socialization, exposure to sounds, surfaces, experiences and build positive associations (starting at a young age to also generalize skills)
Touch sensitivity & collar grabs and overall body handling and manipulation
Marking behaviors/clicker training/use of tools/props
Learning name, focus, engagement (including toy play)
Addressing jumping and how to avoid it from happening in the first place
Addressing play biting/mouthing and how to avoid and redirect it
Understanding elements of distance, distraction, and duration and when they come into play when building your training
Nutritional needs, chews
Recall and building value with the handler/owner
Stimulus control and channeling energy and drive
Resource guarding/training objects/give/out
Sits and downs and stands (achieving specific positions like a close sit front)
Release cues
Hand touching and touching objects or wrapping around/send outs
Heeling and walking (left, right, and center + contact heeling)
Stay and holding duration
Shaping: sending to a mat or bed
Addressing demand barking and how to avoid it/teaching vocals on cue
Basic body handling/petting
Staying on leash with another person
Adequate exercise plan
Proper health and vaccinations