[PyrNet-L] Kindergarten

["Murden, Deanna" <Deanna.Murden@wl.com>]

Hi Joe and Kathy!
I've been lurking around here in the list....poking some comments in
here and there for quite awhile.  I've really enjoyed your "diary" of
Heidi's preschool experiences.  They make me laugh, and perhaps think
more about behaviors that are on their way for me and my girl Lucy, who
is not far behind Heidi.

Sooo, the day finally came.  Lucy went to *her* first night of puppy
class last night.  I have many mixed feelings about class.....none of
them negative, but they (trainers) seem to want to make me treat Lucy
like a dog!! It's just awful! This cute little puppy who's been sucking
the life out of me (mostly enjoyably!!) and I have to start making
demands!! oohhh, it's hard!  <<other reader's don't get excited, I'm
being tongue-in-cheek>>

Seriously, she did well.  Not distracted by other puppies, not making a
fuss (mostly) except when the white shirt people (trainers) were giving
a treat to the puppy next to her.  The her class is in the same building
she goes to doggie day care in, so I think she was comfortable there.
We interviewed many, many obedience centers in our area and are happy
and comfortable with our choice.  Professional trainers, positive
reinforcement, no negatives, only lack of positive enforcement for
errors, class size of 12 puppies,  staff of six trainers per class, 8-20
weeks in age etc. etc. etc. 

Okay, so I do actually have a question or two about some training
issues.   And I realize there are **many** ways and opinions on how to
train a dog.  I'd like some personal opinions/experiences from any
readers who would like to share.

The first is the "step-on-leash".  Which was demonstrated to step down
on the leash very close to the snap, causing it to be uncomfortable for
the dog to stand or even sit.  Once the dog subsides and lays down, you
immediately release any tension on the leash.  Ready to reapply tension
if the dog gets up.  Beginning with short periods of time to begin with
of course.

So, the mush in me thinks this is "breaking her spirit".   Since she
resisted mercilessly to the point of yowling!  we had to give up on the
procedure since class was ready to move on.  But we need to keep
practicing! and it breaks my heart!!  I'm very committed to having a
well behaved dog.  It's just hard to treat her like the dog she is!  Joe
and Kathy, any words of wisdom??

[>]  The other interesting "training tip" was that you shouldn't talk
incessantly to your dog, they'll learn to tune you out if you babble too
much.  Well, does anyone out there **not** babble to their dog??  I took
a slight personal offense to this little tip.  Lucy sits home by herself
(with three kitties roaming the house) in her crate 7-8 hours/day (when
not at daycare).  When I get home, boy...she is just the **best** dog in
the whole world and I tell her so while I do dishes, make dinner, futz
around the house etc.  I just can't see ignoring her until I want
something!   Goodness! 
[>]  

Pyr wags and smiles,

Deanna and Lucy