NAU Dog Days is a 1 hour opportunity for students to hangout on the lawn and pet therapy dogs. Therapy Pets of Northern Arizona is always looking for more teams to volunteer! Therapy dog training STARTS with obedience.
Today, Hiram passed his CGC test, I became an evaluator for the AKC, and ran my first CGC test!
Reilly and Jonesy sit for dinner
Start manners early! It doesn't need to be perfect to be progress.
Tucker doing nothing
One of the best things to teach your dog is to do NOTHING! It's also one of the most challenging things to accomplish. Being able to relax in an unfamiliar area with unfamiliar people, sounds, and smells shows the confidence your dog has in both themselves and you as their leader.
Disco
After group class, Disco and I stayed behind to work on some impulse control while playing fetch
Watch me exercise- Disco 22 weeks old
Does your dog ignore you?
If you were your dog, would YOU want to interact with YOU? Are you fun, or are you only talking to your dog when you want something? Is interacting with you rewarding for your dog?
Having a positive relationship with your dog will eventually over rule treats, but start with fun engagement games that end with a reward!
Here, Aksel and Disco are doing a WATCH ME without a lure. Disco gets a reward at the end of the exercise.