Training Update for My Boys
 

The trainer has come 6 out of the scheduled 15 home training sessions. He is working VERY slowly and diligently with Cooper and Max and every method he uses is extremely calculated.

Each morning he comes in, says hello and allows the dogs to bark wildly and jump all over him. He hasn't trained them yet on how to greet a visitor, as this is not step 1. He is working on teaching them first what it means to be obedient. He brings them outside independently in my fenced backyard and walks them for 1/2 hour each, teaching them how to walk and heel appropriately. Max is being trained to walk on his right and Cooper on his left. Heel, means come to his side. When he stops, they stop and sit. When he goes they don't move unless he says "let's go".

My task for the past week is to make them sit while I open the back door. They MUST sit and not get up until I say "let's go". As soon as put my hand on the door or open the door slightly if one of them lifts their tushy up, then the door gets closed. It is working. Cooper now sits after he rings the bell. They are also learning to sit to come back inside as well.

Yesterday we started saying "NO!" and push them down when they jump on the living room couch and we are sitting there. They cannot come unless invited. If they are in there playing they can jump on the couch, but not when we are sitting there. So far so good.

They are now automatically sitting and waiting when I put their dishes down. I didn't even train this. I say "ok, eat" and they get up and eat. I'm even noticing that when Ryan is getting ready to put Cooper's harness on he's trying to sit. They are learning that sit is a respectful act. I say trying because it's sooo hard for Cooper to calm down his excitement.

Today Ryan took Max to walk in the front of the house. He invited me to watch after he realized Max did so well. He looked like a show dog on the driveway!! He looked at him the entire time, waiting for commands. He heeled and if he walked up to far ahead, Ryan said "heel" and Max would come back around and sit at his right side. I couldn't believe it.

Cooper did not walk well in the front of the yard. He pulled the entire time. Ryan says Cooper will take a little longer because he's a little more stubborn and has a shorter attention span.

Ryan emailed me a 5 week training protocol for me to start working on. It's 15 pages long. We will start immediately.

I know this is long winded. I'm just so elated that after 2 years of looking I finally found a trainer. I can see changes in my boys. I can see that they are starting to learn what obedience means and they are starting to mind their manners. I can't even imagine what 10 more sessions will bring us. Ryan is going to start walking them both together in front of the house next week:eek:

Congratulations, I'm so happy for you, as I know how much you wanted this.

It is amazing as you see them become well behaved, that they actually settle down and will look to you for approval.... they will want to please you. It creates a wonderful bond, and such a great reward for you and the doggies.

The training I had done with Meika 2 yrs. ago was life changing for all of us. I also know that we could have achieved even more if I was more diligent about doing my homework practice sessions. I slacked off a bit because of the hassle of having 4 furkids wanting my attention and interacting.

Love your update, and will look forward to more:)

That is so exciting! YAY! So happy for Max and Cooper (and you!) Woo hoo, can't wait to hear more success stories.

I am SO excited for you. It's such a fantastic feeling when your dogs are doing what you want them to do and behaving properly. And even better, without being dominant over them or breaking their spirit in any way!

I know how badly you have been wanting this and I'm just so thrilled you found such a great trainer. It sounds like he really knows what he is doing and that Max and Cooper are learning!

Maybe after this you can get Max involved in agility (I think I remember you saying Max was the one who was really enjoying what you had made in the back yard). Self control is such an amazing thing when they learn it. :)

Go Cooper and Max -- and GO Karen! You guys make a fantastic team and I can't wait to hear more about how it goes!

I'm glad that your trainer is doing so well with your boys!! Isn't it amazing how fast dogs can learn with the right training? And you are doing great too with your consistency working with Cooper and Max! I look forward to hearing more as the weeks go on.

Thanks everyone. I'm obviously very pleased so far. Ryan is confident that they will succeed with all aspects of training. Their personalities are in no way being compromised. The funniest thing is when Cooper is outside training and comes back in very calmly only to get excited to see Max and give him a love bite on his face. This always leads to Max repeatedly punching him in the face and Ryan and I trying to talk about their success over a brotherly spat. It's hilarious.

Here's a photo of Cooper watching Max outside. And another of the boys waiting for Ryan (yes Cooper is smiling:)).
Attachment 353847 Attachment 353846

Thats awesome I am glad things are going great.

Congratulations on the progress and raking that important first step. Did it for out guys and was well worth it, but everyday is a training day now. They pretend they forget, but it comes back real fast. Sitting and waiting while opening a door seems to be a challenge for them...but they do and can get it. Hardest is to come when off leash and the place.

What great news! the boys are doing awesome! :)

how adorable!!! is this something that's very expensive? I need some barking training.

I am so excited for you! Chase and Calvin sound soooo much like Cooper and Max.

I suppose expensive is a relative term. He's driving 35 miles each way so part of the distance is added to the fee.

You can probably find a local trainer for a few hundred bucks. For me, I'd pay just about anything...

Im glad the training is working out for your boys. I know it is a relief for you and will make things better in your household

they are so handsome!! I am glad you are happy with the training. I tried with Remy, but got lazy. You are motivating me to get a trainer and start again!

The pics are so cute, love Cooper watching Max outside.

They actually learn by watching too. When Meika was in training to *place*, my babies Kayla and Karlee were in an expen watching. Later when I let them out, Karlee would run over and jump on the step stool and sit in place, waiting for praise and treats.