Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am in the process of making Lesson plans for Douchie
On the advice of a OB instructor at PetSmart suggested that I set up to do 2 lessons a week for a week and then add 2 more lessons each week here is what I came up with
Week 1

The first 2 lessons are

1. Sit
2. Down

Week 2

3.Stay
4.Pawing

Week 3

5.. High Five
6.. Come

Week 4

7.. Loose Leash Walking
8. Go To Your Mat

Week 5

9. Leave It
10. No Jump

Week 6

11. Get It
12. Figure 8

Week 7.

13. Stand
14. Wave

Week 8

15. Spin
16 ???

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Clicker

It's always a good idea to set out with a plan before you train and setting goals is admirable as well.

I guess I tend to go at training a different way. I do 5 minute sessions with my dogs throughout the day. I work on one or two behaviors at a time, get the result I want, and end the session happy.

For me, training is part of my lifestyle. I use "down stays" when I'm preparing meals or at the table. I use "come" whenever relavant. I just randomly work on stuff- even teaching a new behavior tends to be on a whim for me.

I use classes to "keep myself honest" and continue to proof my dogs.

Your dog will learn some behaviors very fast and some more slowly. My ex show dog coudn't "sit" for 8 weeks in spite of numerous efforts.

So, overall, your plan is a wonderful idea, but you may have to modify it if your dog is getting bored, or not challenged enough, or finding something difficult.

THe most important thing- have fun training.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Thank you for the tips.

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Clicker

Agree totally with Chelle. The whole process starts with a basic & its important to create a broad foundation & not always stay on schedule.

In a few weeks you should see Douchie begin to put it together, oh that word/sound means I have to do thusly & then get that treat. Then the training may get a bit easier.

I have good results like if teaching sit, in the beginning, when Douchie is 'about' to sit & you can see he's maybe thinking, go ahead & say 'good-boy' or 'yes' whatever but expect him to go on & do the sit with maybe a bit of gentle physical placement/treat.

After he is catching on, you can expect better/quicker responses.

Now with a Bassett, it may not be as much of a problem, but in general at first a dog might actually sit for only a split second & you have to be quick to praise/treat for even that, & in time the length of sit increases.

Always end on a positive, if he is having difficulty with a new lesson, then after that brief session, do something he likes & is good at.

One thing about going to classes is that a 3rd party (instructor) can observe some of the more subtle body language of handler & dog & coach you to emphasize or avoid those specific to you both. In that way dog training is like gymnastics.

Best wishes, let us hear