Reminder: Tick season is upon us. Please make sure to protect the Canine Companion puppy from those nasty little creatures. Like little bunny rabbits, ticks, fleas and other undesirable will be making their appearance as soon as the weather improves. I know we are all thinking, Spring has got to get here at some point!
Puppy Training Challenge: There is nothing like watching rabbits frolicking in your backyard, squirrels jumping from tree to tree, and birds singing with delight. However, for the puppy the key word is watching. To be more precise casually looking. Well actually, in a perfect world not even caring that little woodland creatures exist.
Canine Companion puppies need self control when it comes to the wonders of the world. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sights and sounds of this blossoming Spring. Teach the puppy that creatures both big and small can be in their environment and left alone. It is up to the puppy raiser to build confidence and self control to focus on their handler and maintain position.
Canine Companion puppies need self control when it comes to the wonders of the world. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sights and sounds of this blossoming Spring. Teach the puppy that creatures both big and small can be in their environment and left alone. It is up to the puppy raiser to build confidence and self control to focus on their handler and maintain position.
Puppy Raising Tips: Here Comes Peter Cottontail Puppy!
When you are out and about with the Canine Companion puppy, it is important to expose them to different surfaces. Like Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail, there are sticks, rocks, mud, slippery leaves, and puddles all in your way. No matter what is in front of an assistance dog, they must not shy away or avoid a surface. Puppy raisers help the puppy out by socializing them to various surfaces.
For example:
For example:
Uneven surfaces
Doing commands and walking over: rocks, branches, pine cones, balls, etc.
Grates, mulch and odd textured surfaces
Fun Surfaces
Gravel
Elevated surfaces
Wet surfaces
Puppy raisers build confidence. They teach the puppy that they can walk on, over, and through anything we ask them to. Start early exposing them to different textures and teaching commands.
Puppy raising is all about exposing the puppy to the world around them and helping them to understand our expectations. Practice, teach, practice and teach some more. As Spring time grows into Summer, then Fall, as does the puppy grow and mature. Lets help them grow, change and blossom into a mature confident adult dog.
Happy Training,
Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager
