Friday, January 4, 2013

Let the Training Begin!

Today was the first day of school for Cooper and June! We found an awesome place to take them called Greater Coastal Canine Academy. The trainer, Ellen, and her husband, Kyle, are great people. I am very much looking forward to our training here!

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!  


June and Cooper were two tired pups when we got home.  They had a very stimulating day.  I can't wait until our next session!  Miss June goes back on Monday.  We better work on our homework this weekend!

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



8 comments:

  1. Aw it looks like they got a great start!!

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  2. Hey Cooper, Hey June, Jet here. Hi Miss Laura.

    Wowee 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.

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    1. Hey, Jet!

      That 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!

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  3. Looks like you're all off to a good start on your training. And it really does wear everybody (even Mom!) out. Have fun.

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    1. We 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!

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  4. Great job, Laura...Junie absolutely has the ability, and Coop, well, he's perfect material for TDI!!! You're doing a great job!

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    1. Thank 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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Thanks for your comments!
-Laura

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