First Training

Both Echo and Buddy received treats from the Littlest Hobo Dog Bakery today. The dogs loved them which isn't saying much because they eat everything. Aunt Rose, the one who got us in to this puppy raising hobby, bakes them with all natural ingredients and a touch of love.


Echo had his first official training class this evening. Many of the OccuPaws puppies were there: Oliver, Lilly, Moby, and Archie. We practiced the usual Sit, DOWN, STAY. Having the dogs sit and behave with all the distractions, which included two boys running through them yelling and a German Shepard running around them, is a mental challenge. The most difficult part for Echo was staying still for so long.



Each dog also got some time "on the table". The trainers work them over from head to toe - to check if we have been cradling and touching their paws. They even did nail trimming. The finale on the table was "preparing" each puppy for their hip x-rays. As you can see Echo was outnumbered three to one.



The highlights of the advice/guidance were:
1. Guide dogs never potty in their vest or harness and always on the right side
2. Have the dogs FIND and LOOK
3. Practice SIT, DOWN, SIT and DOWN, SIT, DOWN
4. No formal training commands
5. Practice RIGHT and LEFT and BACK

If I forgot anything, I am sure that we will hear it again next week. As Marlene says "Training a Puppy Raiser is boring" - repetition, repetition, repetition. Next time I will take notes.