Meet Mack the day he came to "Puppy Boot Camp".
Below are videos taken of his week with me.
Every puppy should have a Playpen
Today I am teaching Mack to go in the playpen on command and to stay there without barking or whining until I say "Free" to let him know that it is time to come out. I use a playpen when ever I can't watch a puppy for any reason such as , I am on the phone, company comes over, or even if I am posting adorable puppy training videos for everyone to see. A playpen is a safe secure place for your puppy.
Teaching Mack how to use the bells.
Today I am teaching "Mack" a four month old Cockapoo how to ring "bells" to let me know that he needs to go outside. The first thing I want him to do is to touch the bells and not be afraid of the motion they make or the ringing sound. The best way to do that is to use something on the bells that he can lick off so he can get used to the movement and sound they make in a non threatening way. Once he does then we go outside right away so he can start associating the bells with going outside to go "pee".
Teaching Mack to go to "Place"
Place is just a location where you want your puppy to and stay on until you give permission for them to get off.
What is the "Fear Age"??
Mack is on his fourth day at my week long "puppy boot camp". Every puppy that comes for training has different areas that they need help with. In Mack's case it is helping him through the "fear age". A puppy develops fear between the ages of four months to ten months. Prior to that everything is interesting and they will run to investigate scary noises, but after four months a puppy will bark, growl or run away from the very same things they used to find interesting. Since Mack has just turned four months old he is at the beginning of the "fear age" and is very nervous when he hears strange sounds or when people approach him. So what I have been doing is taking him with me wherever I go and introducing him to a wide variety of unusual sounds and environments. Here are two videos taken of me showing Mack that no matter the environment there is nothing to be afraid of. The "fear age" is such a crucial time for you to show your puppy confidence in your leadership. When they see that you are not afraid then it teaches them that they don't need to be either.
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Yesterday I went to do a private first lesson with a couple and their young eight month old 90 pound female Corso. When I tried to work with her the strong winds picked up and because she was in the " fear age " it was just too scary for her so we put her back in their vehicle. As usual I had " Mack" my boot camp puppy with me who I have been working with to over come his fears by exposing him to various situations. So watch this video taken by the couple as "Mack" takes the place of their pup and in howling winds works confidently beside a total stranger. BTW I never once used treats for heeling, basic obedience or for working to over come his fears, all I have done is give him comfidence in leadership and look at him now. Remember he is only four months old and this was the fourth day I have had him with me at "Puppy Boot Camp ".