Puppy foundation training
Steve believes in starting a puppy’s training as
soon as they show an interest in working…be that at
8 weeks or at 8 months.
We start our own dogs as soon as they will chase a leather
rag and we ALWAYS begin with bitework, developing prey drive
and confidence. In keeping with that philosophy, we offer
a 6 week foundation training program.
Although we feel that the ideal time for most puppies is between
3 and 6 months, this training is not limited to puppies.
It is a flexible program designed to suit the needs of owners
with dogs of any age who have had little or improper training.
It is a comprehensive program, giving the dogs a solid start
in all three phases of Schutzhund work.
Included in our foundation training package:
- Bitework: absolutely essential for a young dog for drive
building and bite/grip development;
- Obedience: this is not a finished obedience picture, but
instead a beginning of teaching the youngster to work in drive
and happiness;
- Tracking : again, the building of fundamental skills needed
for later training.
Although this service is ideally suited to young dogs from
about 3 months to approximately 6 months (depending on the
dog), it is also valuable for older dogs who have had little
(or poor) early training. The skills they are taught while
with us will give you the tools you need to take your dog
to other helpers and clubs.
Typically, we keep the dog for 6 weeks...though many clients
have been known to double and/or triple the time with us.
Bitework
The main concentration in the bitework portion of the training
is bite and grip development. The goal in this is to teach
a full, calm grip working first with a leather tug and gradually
progressing to the sleeve as time, age, and ability warrant.
During this time we also hope to have the dog barking to push
the helper to move, but again, it is dependent on the individual
dog.
Obedience
Although we refer to this portion of the training as obedience,
it isn’t, at least not in the classic sense of the word.
Depending on the age and drive level of the dog, we teach
only the beginnings of the exercises, focusing instead on
teaching the dog how to work and learn in drive. The dog will
begin learning to heel with attention and attitude. He will
learn to sit and down and the recall. Throughout this training
he is rewarded for the desired behavior…there is very
little, if any, correction introduced at this stage. The dog
returns home having learned that obedience and training in
general is FUN!
Tracking
Like obedience, in tracking we lay a foundation for future
learning. The goal with this training is for the dog to understand
that the word “such” means to put his nose down
and he will be rewarded, and ultimately, if he follows the
scent and goes forward on the track, he will continue to be
rewarded.
Foundation training is of immeasurable benefit to your dog.
Whether you choose to work and title the dog yourself or if
somewhere down the road you send your dog elsewhere to be
titled, foundation training gives him 6 weeks of intensive
work (dogs are worked 4 to 5 days a week) that will be the
basis for all future training.
|
