Some dog owners/trainers that I have talked to in the past have been too rigid/cold towards their animals. This was something I was a bit concerned about with formal training, but Ellen & Kyle thoroughly believe in strengthening the bond between you and your dog. I was so pleased to hear this! I love my kids so much and want them to be my companions just like always. I need to only give praise when earned, but snuggles and loving are still going to be a huge part of our relationship. I am so glad we found a trainer that puts a strong emphasis on the human/dog bond!
I took both dogs today to get them acclimated to the facility. They both worked on watching me and Ellen. We started with the basics, which was great! I feel like our goals are completely achievable when we take it one step at a time.
I have several goals in mind for both dogs. For June, I want to work on basic obedience and manners in the beginning. This is going to take a lot of work and patience, but I know my girl can do it! Down the road, I would like to get June certified as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC). For Cooper, I want to get him CGC certified. Once Cooper is CGC certified, I want to get him certified as a TDI dog. This is a therapy dog! Therapy Dogs International is a wonderful organization that tests and certifies therapy dogs that volunteer at various locations. These locations include hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. I can't wait for Cooper to start helping people! (I would even love to do this with June one day, pending her training.)
Here are some photos from our first session:
You can barely see her in this photo, but Junie was right next to her brother being a good girl!
Here is Cooper watching his mama like a good boy! Miss June is in the background investigating.
June is going to surprise everyone with what a good girl she is going to be! I see such potential in her!
The kids watching Ellen!
I hope you all enjoy our journey through training. I am loving it already!
As always, please consider adopting your next best friend from your local shelter or rescue group! You most certainly will not regret it!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Laura
Aw it looks like they got a great start!!
ReplyDeleteYep! I am super excited about it!!! :)
DeleteHey Cooper, Hey June, Jet here. Hi Miss Laura.
ReplyDeleteWowee wow wow! My golden sister, Koko, *OTRB* was a TDI K9 for 5 years! Mom wishes she could do the same with me, however, life circumstances have changed. :(
Mom asked me to share that June will be super because you believe it.
Hey, Jet!
DeleteThat is so awesome that Koko was a TDI dog! I am sure you would be great, too, if circumstances were different! You seem like quite the gentleman:)
And thanks to your mom for words of encouragement! I know my little girl can be a good girl if we work hard enough! We have our second class tomorrow morning for Miss June! It should be fun!
Looks like you're all off to a good start on your training. And it really does wear everybody (even Mom!) out. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly are having fun, Loy! It is such a great feeling to see them so excited when they get a command correct! I am having fun so far, but hopefully I can keep my energy level up!
DeleteGreat job, Laura...Junie absolutely has the ability, and Coop, well, he's perfect material for TDI!!! You're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paula!!! That means a lot! I just practiced with Coop out in the yard with what June learned today. He is a pro! I am loving training the kids:)
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