These are some of/most of the skills every Pickwick puppy works on. We normally print-out and check-off sheets which are held in a clip board but we recently added this online form where we can email and submit, then print for notebook.
Training Checklist:
| puppy_training_chart.pdf |
Socialization Checklist:
| socialization_checklist.pdf |
Some things we've learned over the years: Each puppy is unique! Each puppy has a unique learning style. Some will excel in certain skills while struggle in others. Some puppies will be great at eye contact and attention while others may never be able to lock in that focus. Some might be great at shake and give paw while others struggle to master this. Some might be better at rear end awareness (spin, pivot, perch work) while others never seem to learn they have back legs. Some may master a shaping game in seconds while others take 45 minutes lol.
Also, each puppy is motivated differently. We find that the greatest success is achieved when we focus on a puppy's individual strengths and afford them as wide of a learning curve as necessary. Patience and focusing on the positive is the key. In our mind, even though certain skills like 'watch me' and 'wait' and 'loose leash walking' are important to eventually master, the main purpose of training is an avenue to form a human/dog bond. So we try to focus on the PROCESS of learning versus the ultimate mastery of a given skill/behavior and always try to dwell in the present moment .... just like the dog does! Remember, each puppy will struggle at some skills but shine as rockstars in others. Keep training fun and always focus on the positive!
Also, each puppy is motivated differently. We find that the greatest success is achieved when we focus on a puppy's individual strengths and afford them as wide of a learning curve as necessary. Patience and focusing on the positive is the key. In our mind, even though certain skills like 'watch me' and 'wait' and 'loose leash walking' are important to eventually master, the main purpose of training is an avenue to form a human/dog bond. So we try to focus on the PROCESS of learning versus the ultimate mastery of a given skill/behavior and always try to dwell in the present moment .... just like the dog does! Remember, each puppy will struggle at some skills but shine as rockstars in others. Keep training fun and always focus on the positive!