Reminders: February 13, 2015 please join us at the Dublin Recreation Center in Dublin, Ohio at 2:00pm for our February graduation ceremony. We are proud to welcome back 26 puppies to Advanced Training, and congratulate 15 students and Canine Companions for completing Team Training.
Puppy Raisers of dogs returning on February 13, remember to RSVP and to send medical records by February 6. Medical records can be faxed to: Attn: Sara Miller - Kennel Supervisor 740-363-0555 or they can be emailed to smiller@cci.org or suzanne@cci.org.
Puppy Raising Tip: "A time for new beginnings and a fresh start."
2015 Reminders:
- The North Central Region has been very lucky in a health wait list for puppy raising. Repeat puppy raisers please note that because of the wait list there may not be puppies available on short notice like has been typical in the past. We have close to 60 people on the waiting list (both new and repeat) that are ready right now for puppies. If you are interested in raising again, please contact me as soon as possible to get on the list. Please know there will be a wait.
- Food and people distraction is very difficult for many puppies. The person handling the puppy should be the only one giving treats when training. For example during puppy classes if another puppy raiser or person randomly gives treats to the puppy while you are the handler, the puppy will begin to become distracted away from the handler. Whats more fun for a dog: treats without working or having to work for maybe a treat. In certain situations with fearful puppies, the handler may ask someone to give the puppy a reward for confidence with greeting. This should be directed by the puppy raiser.
- Public outings to businesses begins at 5-6 months of age. At five months the puppy can participate in quick in and out trips in environments that are low in distractions. Grocery stores, malls, restaurants, big events, college classes, and church are perfect outing for puppies 6 months and older.
- Socialization is very important for the the puppy younger than 4 months of age. Please socialize the puppy to different sights, sounds, surfaces in your neighborhood and friends neighborhoods, puppy classes. Certain work environments are appropriate to take the puppy with permission from your puppy program manager.
- Puppy raisers are ambassadors for all assistance dogs. It is important to leave the public with a good perception.
- Teach the puppy to jump on appropriate places like benches, low ledges, etc. Picnic tables and counters are good for practicing the "up" command not the "jump" command.
- Puppies sometimes don't make the best decisions. The second floor railings at the mall is a place to not practice the command "up". We don't want puppies accidentally practicing the "jump" command into open space. Please understand there is a reason for all of our guidelines. We have a story for almost everything.
- Escalators are also off limits to puppies. Practice walking over the metal gratings and sitting next to the moving stairs but never on the escalators.
- Regardless of the number of acres that you live on or visit, Canine Companions puppies are required to be on leash. If you would like me to tell you stories about Canine Companion puppies being lost, injured, and killed I would be more than happy to share. Please don't be a story that I use as an example. Keep the puppy on leash, no matter how much you trust them or your handling skills.
- Canine Companion puppies can be off leash in enclosed areas.
- The healthy Canine Companion:
- Average weight of a female Canine Companion puppy is between 50-60lbs. On rare occasions our largest females are around 65lbs.
- Average weight for a male Canine Companion puppy is between 55-65lbs.
- On occasion we get puppies lower than 50lbs and a few dogs between 70-85lbs.
- If the puppy you are raising starts to head out of these ranges, please contact your puppy program manager. We can work together to determine if you happen to be raising a dog that falls out of our typical weight range.
- When playing with the Canine Companion puppy, teach the puppy to bring the dog toy to your hand. Puppies that drop the toy to the ground end the game. Many graduates are unable to reach the ground if the dog drops the toy.
Happy training
Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager
