Week 13

I was a bit ambitious this week, I decided to see how long I can train with Hudson in one sitting. Then only rules I set where:

1. A maximum of 3 commands (Sit, Paw, Lay)
2. No session longer than 10minutes without a 1-5minute playbreak
3. An automatic session stop when Hudsons attention is drained

Now, given those we had a session that lasted an hour. Hudson never gave up and his attention never waivered! He wanted those treats and he was going to do what was neccessary to get them. His physical enthusiasm beat his mental though, as within a couple of seconds of having his last treat I noticed his ears droop. So I paused and fair enough, he head went down and his eyes shut and he fell asleep sitting. Not something I really need to repeat, but out of interest to see how long he can focus at this age I thought it was amazing.

After being shot down on a Forum by a bunch of people who probably never say no to their dog, I decided that not everything needed to be shared on that platform. it is sad to see how people react when they cant see the face of the person they are talking too.

We also set some rules for Dog Tug this week:

1. A release must happen upon command
2. Teeth may not touch skin or clothing
3. If a rule is broken we Time-Out for a minute to calm down
4. If there are 3 rule breaks the game is over

We havent gotten to 3 TOs yet and the teeth work has greatly improved.

My partner is still working with clicker and I am constantly surprised at how efficient it is to teach a new command with the clicker compared to teaching without the clicker.

We took care of a friends dog this week, she is a shepperd mix of unknown origin. Our friends rescued her from a pound and little Ronia has made great headway in getting over her fears. We had her little bed and put it by the dinner table, it was the first time she was with us without her owners so we where carefull not to overwhelm her. Hudson though didnt care, wherever she was he was and was wanting to play. She let him get away with murder, even let him kick her out of her bed. But then she had enough and within a short time Hudson was as quiet as a mouse and sitting like a bronze dog statue. Peace at last.

We had them both in our bedroom to sleep but kept Ronia in her bed on my side and Hudson on my partners side. Poor Ronia, I think she was that nervous that she never got 40 winks. But when I put my hand on her, she relaxed and since the lights where out Hudson realised that it was bedtime and that was that.