Time to get started! We have a lot to work on. We'll start by brushing up on some basic obedience and see how she does when there are a few distractions around. We frequently start teaching in low distraction environments but quickly move to more distractions so it's closer to real life. It's easy to teach a puppy new behaviors in the quiet of your home but can she still do those things once you walk outside your door? Practicing in a variety of locations and under a variety of situations will help her to generalize her commands.
We're working hard to teach Thunder to automatically sit for greetings from people. In fact, sit for anything she wants (like saying "please"). Want to go out the door? Sit please. Want to put your leash on? Sit please. Want a fresh bowl of water? Sit please. With repetition, she'll soon figure out to sit politely for what she wants. She won't be this small for long so it's best to have those paws on the ground.
We can also use the "sit" to break up play a bit. It helps her learn to use her on and off switch better if we mix a few self-control exercises with her play. The reward? To go play again, of course!
Thunder is working on getting acclimated to the Gentle Leader. Right now I am just luring her nose through the nose loop and taking it off right away. We'll slowly step through it to make it as comfortable as possible for her. Right now, she loves putting her nose through the loop but it will be a while before I actually clip a leash to the head halter.
That was exhausting. Thunder needs a nap...again.
But it's good to be all rested up for when we are practicing our recalls so we have nice quick responses from her. We added in a few distractions today and she's doing well.
All that work requires another nap. But her friend is not quite ready to nap and can't figure out how to get this puppy moving again.
Maybe tomorrow but, today, today she's done.
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