Educating Trigger

A dramatic increase in Trigger's concentration was noted today when sauteed beef heart was offered in lieu of kibble. Sits, downs and hand targets were offered accurately in response to appropriate cues. For the first time, Trigger also repositioned himself to a sit from a down upon request.
His ability to sit before I open his crate door or the back door continues to improve also. His house manners are very good and we will continue to crate or pen him when we are not able to supervise him.

Reminders for me:
• Give commands only once.
• Sit means stay. Don't add additional cues to a sit or down to keep him in position.
• Keep training sessions short! Count out 10 treats maximum and when the treats are gone, the training is done.

More things to train:
(from Susan Garrett's books)
• Gimme Dat Collar
• 1-2-3 Game
• Hide & Seek
• Sit-Tug-Sit
• Smack Da Baby
• Tug-Drop The Toy Game
• Restrained Recalls

Today I signed Trigger up for Puppy Kindergarten. He will be just 12 weeks old when we start class. Tomorrow we go to the vet's for his well puppy check and vaccinations.
It's interesting to observe some of the differences between the two dog's strategies when they are being chased around the back yard. Gladys makes a big circle and will occasionally switch directions and run the same circle the opposite way. Trigger's more creative and throws in all kinds of direction and route changes. He also sees how to take short-cuts and heads her off at the pass. Sometimes he picks up both of their toys and runs around the yard with them.
But the best part of all this frenetic activity, is the peaceful snoring sounds I hear coming from the both them right now. Good Night!