Training - Session Four

SESSION FOUR

Step One: “Let's Go" and Long Distance Recalls:

Continue using the long line for “LET'S GO” and energy burn off but try to change the locations whenever you can so that the pup gets used to being around different distractions. (mall parking lots, farm fields, parks, etc.) The more your puppy is exposed to the more balanced he will become.

Step Two: "Heeling on Leash":

What you have done up to now with "Heel Work" is basic forward movement, at a normal walking pace. In this session, you are starting with the speed changes. Add the FAST speed, which is anything from brisk walking to running or jogging. To do this, just increase your own pace and encourage the pup to keep up with you. Sometimes, puppies react as if it suddenly became party time because of the quicker movement and want to bounce and pounce around you with   excitement. If this happens, pop the leash downwards , away from yourself. This tones the pup down enough to regain control. The other speed is Slow, where you bring the pace to a crawl. This teaches the pup to adjust himself to your pace. Sometimes, a pup will become distracted on the slow speed, because of boredom. To help the puppy along just start chatting to him as he is getting used to this new idea .Use praise tones and convince him how great he is. You need to mix all speeds in your daily heeling practice for a while until the puppy can read your body language clearly and react on his own without instruction from you.

Step Three: "Sit - Stay", adding the distance:

“SIT” the puppy on your left leg. Command "Stay" and give the "Stay hand signal". Step out, right foot first and go to the end of the leash, turn and face the puppy. If he breaks, lift upwards on the leash, commanding "SIT" as you do. This upward tension gently forces the pup's rear to the floor. Once back in the "SIT" position, command "STAY" and relax the leash. Hold the exercise for about 20 to 30 seconds, then return to the puppy, release with "OK" and lots of praise.

Step Four: "Down Stay", adding movement:

Place your puppy in the "DOWN" position, command "STAY" and use the hand signal. Slowly rise to a standing position and step out to the front of the pup, leaving on you right foot. If the pup should break the position at any time, lean forward over him and "Steady" his front and rear ends back to the floor. If the pup happens to get tough, pop your leash and collar as a backup correction. Remain in the front position for 20 to 30 seconds, then swing back to the original position and release with "OK" and praise. Gradually, work   you way out to the end of the leash, little bits at a time.
IMPORTANT: Never allow the pup to release himself from the exercise before you have said OK? This gives him permission to be second guessing you when he feels like it.

Step Five: "Stand-Stay" Other People Examining:

Stand your pup as in session 3. Give the verbal and hand signal command "Stay". As the puppy settles into the routine, gradually stand up beside him. At this point, if possible, have someone else do all the distractions on your pup that you have learned in session 3. This helps the puppy prepare for future vet visits, groomers, bath time, etc. Release with "OK" after the exam is finished.

Step Six: "Recall":

Place your pup in the "SIT", give a "Wait" command and step out, right foot first and go to the end of the leash. Keep the puppy in the "SIT" -" Wait" position for at leash 30 seconds. Call out his name and the command "Come". As he comes in close, place him a "SIT" in front of your legs. Here's the new part: command "SWING" and Take a step backwards with your left foot. Your pup will follow the leg movement and walk past your left foot. As the pup does, take another step head with the same foot. This motion will cause your pup to turn around and face the same direction as you are. When you get him to this point, command   "SIT". You have just taught your puppy to complete a very neat maneuver called "Finish". You will use this move on those rainy days when your pup is wet and you don t want him leaning or jumping on you.

This concludes our 4 session Puppy Pre-School training manual. We hope that you have a better understanding of your puppy now. At this time, after 4 sessions, your puppy should be   understanding the various commands, tones, and body language quest that you have taught it. Keep coaching with these techniques until your pup reacts to every verbal command, first time, every time.

1. Session One

2. Session Two

3. Session Three

4. Session Four