[YorkieChanel]

Chanel is 8 months old.

Yesterday was the first day of puppy training. Well it was basically a get to know basics..

There were 9 other puppies there. Surprisingly(sp), my Chanel was no longer super hyper, she calmed down and at times acting like all shy and sometimes afraid. I guess too many other dogs and strange people.

Trainer said that its normal for a dog to act the way they do. Out of nervouseness(sp), they might get agressive, afraid, start barking, crying and even start shaking. All dogs differ. Mine was just scared of others.

Trainer said, even if you live with 7 other people in the house and have 3 dogs, that doesnt count. BECUASE THEY GET USED TO THOSE PEOPLE AND DOGS AND ARE NOT GOOD SOCIAL DOGS WHEN IT COMES TO STRANGERS.

So yeah the class was basically to tell us, about what we will be doing, potty training, and they gave us a clicker. Told us what colars to use and all.

Baught Chanel more treats, crate, bedding and we got homework. Basically the homework is on how to pair the clicker with the treat. For example: If you walk outside with your dog and you see it start pooping.. or peeing, tell it calmly, (example words I use, you could use whatever you like) "Go pee pee". And repeat it to her until she is done. Then PRAISE her by CLICKING (this will make her look at you, since she hears a click), and then treat. CLick and Treat.

So i had to practice at home. click and treat, click and treat,. until she learned somewhat that everytime i clicked was becuase a treat was comming.

Also the homework said the usual: potty training, if indoors, with pads, USE MORE THAN 1. Have about 3 around the house. IF SHE HAS AN ACCIDENT. GET TOILET PAPER, CLEAN IT AND WITH THAT TOILET PAPER, TOUCH THE PADS TO GIVE IT HER SMELL. Do not change the pads daily, do it about every 3 days. And not all at once. Becuase they will only go back to places were they smell. So if you put 3 out, after 3 days change one. (the stinkiest one) then 3 days later or whatever you want, change the another. The trick is to keep at least 1 with the pee on it so she can go and you have less accidents.

Another thing that i didnt do before which she said to start doing. In training to go outside, I suppose CRATE training, ALWAYS TAKE HER OUTSIDE WITH A LEASH!!!!! Training=Leash. And it will teach your dog to do her thing in a certain area, instead of going all over the outside and eating everthinng in its path ot whatnot..(This all depends also on you housing, i mean, if you got small concrete back yard and no grass let her loose i suppose. But like me for example, i got drive way, walk ways, and alot of grass area. So i think i will hold on leash instead of her eating and hunting lizards like she does.)

Also she said, get a treat bag, to put behind on your back, it goes on your belt or waist. But behind you were the dog cant see it. Becuase if you got treats and she/he hears the foil package, or wrapper, or how ever your treats are, she will be more concentrated on the noise of them.

And last, CRATE, to get them associated with it. After you have done some click and treat, to get her to pay attention to you. Put a trail of treats or crumbs going into the crate. Making her/him feel safe and doesnt think you are punishing her/him. Then close the door, for about 30 seconds. Let them out, put treat again inside, and leave them in there 1 minute, giving them treats while inside to make them feel good for being inside. Then let them out and play, click and treat, and again put them inside and associate the crate with treats and toys she likes to make her feel comfy and safe.

Well thats all i can remember right now. So i guess no to practice more click and treat and to get her use to her new bed.......