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This is part two of a two-part series on how I trained my mutt during the first two weeks he came to live with me.
Yesterday I wrote about how I set rules and limitations for Ace before he even walked in the door. This set a foundation for his behavior and training for the rest of his life. From day one, I also began walking him daily and teaching him commands throughout the day and in short, specific training sessions.
The day Ace arrived in Fargo, we went on our first long walk together, probably the most important walk I’d ever taken. I knew this was important for our bonding, and he needed to be able to get rid of all his pent up energy and anxiousness. He was an athletic dog who had never had the chance to run outside without a rope holding him back. I will always remember that day, snow still on the ground, me proudly walking my new dog and Ace happy to be experiencing something new.
After a few days of running or walking about five miles with me and playing ball, Ace became a different dog. His anxiousness decreased and he was able to relax and sleep better in his kennel. He also did not follow me around all the time, but was able to be more independent.
I adopted Ace on one of my days off, knowing I would have the weekend to spend time helping him adjust to his new home. This was a good idea; it meant I was able to establish a routine right away. Our routine went like this: Ace slept on a blanket next to my bed at night. He got up in the morning on my terms. We went for an hour run first thing in the morning, often working on sit and stay in random places on our run. Then he ate his breakfast after sitting calmly while I prepared my own food. Then he rested while I got ready for work and we did a short indoor training session. I let him outside again and then he went in his kennel for the day. On my break, I came home to let him out and feed him. Then he went back in the kennel until after work. Our routine has changed since then, but that is how we started out.
Ace picked up the basic commands within a day or so as I incorporated sit and down into our daily routine. He sat before I opened a door, before he ate, before he got a toy, etc. His reward was to go for a walk, to play ball or to get fed. I didn’t even have to use treats. One of the most important commands he had to learn was his release word, “OK. “He learned this so he wouldn’t just sit and then pop up right away. He had to sit until he was released.
Teaching Ace to sit and stay was simple. I started with teaching him to stay right in front of me, so I could step on the leash as needed. Then we progressed to a few feet until I could walk around him in a circle. Within a few days, I could walk several feet away with Ace either sitting and staying, or staying in the down position. We practiced outside in many different locations for about 10 minutes total every day. We also worked on the come command, which was easy to teach because he was so eager to run to me all the time. I tried to always make it fun, and I never called him at a time I knew he wouldn’t listen or if I knew I wouldn’t be able to enforce it. To begin with, I only called him when he was on his leash.
Within two weeks, I had a dog that was well on his way to becoming well trained and balanced. I have had Ace for over a year now, and I actually need to start working on some of these things I was originally more committed to a year ago. Once you have a well-behaved dog, it’s easy to take that for granted. As I’ve said before, training a dog is a lifelong commitment, something that can never be perfected.
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June 26th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I think making training fun is key. You get much better results when they enjoy the sessions than when everyone is frustrated.
I just adore Ace… he’s such a handsome boy.
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June 27th, 2008 at 7:39 am
This is a great post! Dogs really do appreciate structure and routine and leadership in their lives. And thanks for the reminder that we do need to work on these skills all the time.
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June 27th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I agree - fun is the key! Do you ever find yourself slacking off? I know if can be difficult sometimes but making the commitment a “habit” helps!
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June 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Wow. I think this works in reverse - when a cat chooses her human, those first few moments of crucial to set up the hierarchy of power. Yet, if my human was to consider a canine, your postings are the perfect backbone for starting the relationship. Lindsay - you should so publish your experiences also in a book form.
Jazz
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June 30th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
im working on “ok” with Stranger right now!
i’m glad you mentioned how easy it is to take a well behaved dog for granted. consistency is key, especially when they’re going through their “teenage years” its when they’re most distracted.
thanks for another great post
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