Puppies and Perspective

Mary-Ann Sontag April 6, 2021

Puppies learn so quickly.

Note her cute sit when she returns. In 24 hours, we have shaped a default behavior when she comes to me — and as a result, she doesn’t jump up. Yay Capella!

The best way to eliminate an undesired behavior (jumping up) is to ignore the jumping up completely and reinforce/shape a desired behavior that the puppy can do instead.

Note: This works well on humans of all ages — stop telling others what NOT to do and instead reinforce/show gratitude for what you want. Seriously — it is magical!

Easy Peasy — if one is intentional with their interactions, human and puppy..

In the midst of the 10+10, projects actually got done — including this one. Have a listen and tell us what you think…

Love Lived Here is an Audio-Docuseries chronicling a journey through humanity as we celebrate and share stories of grief, loss, and hope. In this debut season we share our co-host's story of her family's journey through suicide loss and grief. Their experiences offer lessons for the bereaved, and also for those who want to help.

Please have an amazing day filled with perspective and maybe even gratitude.

Now What Begins

Mary-Ann Sontag April 5, 2021

Training Tip

Goal: I want my puppy to keep four-on-the-floor when greeting me.

How: Keep treats/kibble handy. When puppy comes towards me/greets me/comes to her name I quickly give her a treat at a level that keeps her four paws on the ground. Repeat. All day long.

What to do if she jumps up?

1. Evaluate what I did wrong. Did I hold the treat too high? Was I too slow in my reward for desired behavior?

2. Ignore the jumping up completely — say and do nothing. Once puppy gives up and has four paws on the ground, take a step back and try again.

Notes:

1. Pushing a puppy off initiates a really fun game from the puppy perspective so avoid that.

2. Remember — a puppy cannot jump up if she has four paws on the floor, and so make that the default behavior by reinforcing it constantly.

What It Looks Like:

Capella benefits from her life with other dogs. The size and age differences, however, mean that all of her interactions happen in confined spaces and while supervised — no free play in a big yard or even a large room. This is to ensure Capella’s safety — I want her to interact but I also want her to be safe, and wild play with the big dogs — while fun — is not safe.

Her favorite Big Dog? Her mother, of course…

Please have a kind and patient day.

Puppies!

Mary-Ann Sontag April 4, 2021

Training Tip

Goal: I want my puppy to learn her name and to respond to it (look/come towards me).

How: Most of the kibble I feed will be as training treats. I toss one piece of kibble on the floor near her and take 1 - 2 steps back. As she finishes the piece of kibble, I say, “pup-pup-Pellie” and when she looks/starts to come to me I begin the praising and hand her a second piece of kibble when she reaches me.

Repeat over and over in 30-or-so second sessions 3 - 4 times a day.

What to do if she doesn’t respond? Evaluate what I did wrong. Did I toss the food too far? Are there too many distractions? Did I call her before she finished the treat? Is my voice not happy and friendly enough?