How to Choose the Next Training Lesson for Your Dogs: A Tailored Class Guide

You already saw Archer’s schedule for the rest of the year (if you missed it take a look at our previous blog post), but what about the others in our pack?  What should I teach my dogs next?  Based on the above picture we’ve got our down-stays…down!

First of all, this is my chance to point out the top behavior issues I’d like to solve with each one of my dogs and second what class would be appropriate to work on said behavior.  So without further adieu lets solve our dog’s problems with todays blog post.

What Should I Teach My Dogs Next?

Linus

It’s been a while since Linus has seen the inside of a classroom.  My biggest beef with the elder statesman of the house is his door manners.  Great!  There’s a door manners class coming up in a few weeks which we plan on attending.

Linus is an Australian Shepherd with more agility and grace then all my other dog’s combined and I plan to enroll him in either a Sport Dog class or a Agility class as well.

Top Training Priority: Door Manners
Training Class: Sport Dog

Stetson

Stetson is my All Star!  Trained to be a guide dog and career changed because he was “too soft” (we love or softy) he’s like Mary Poppins…practically perfect in every way.  Last month Stetson joined me in Arizona for the BlogPaws Conference and truly was a perfect puppy dog…While he is practically perfect he could work on his recalls because I’m not sure if he’s losing his hearing or ignoring me.

Back in his guide dog training days he was a recall stud.  The good news is there is a one day class called Really Reliable Recall that we are attending.  Stetson was also a super star when it came to K9 Nosework!  The plan is to get him enrolled in Nosework and maybe work towards his NW1 Title.  Another area Stetson would excel in is therapy work.  We’ve long thought about certifying as a therapy dog team which may also be something on the horizon for us.

Top Training Priority: Recalls
Training Class: K9 Nosework

Raven

Raven has come a long way in the past year.  She came to us with virtually zero training.  During her time with us she is now potty trained (no more accidents in the house), crate trained, and knows basic obedience.  We’ve also worked on socialization.  She’s graduated from level 1 and level 2 obedience classes through PetSmart.

So what’s on the horizon for our pretty girl?  Raven is a jumper, but Ali and I have all but nipped that bad habit in the bud.  However, when it comes to visitors she still jumps.  For jumping up I need to design my own in-home training schedule and work with friends and family and teach them what to do when coming across our jumpy Raven.  Number 2 on Raven’s to do list is socialization.  A few out and about outings as well as group training class like Tricks class.

Top Training Priority: Jumping Up and Socialization
Training Class: Tricks

Archer

Our service dog puppy in training!  You’ve already seen Archer’s extensive schedule, but what does he need to work on?  Number one on our to do list is meet and greets.  Archer loves everyone, but we have to teach him to be calm and cool when greeting new people or dogs.  Fortunately, because Archer is a service dog in training he’s had the opportunity to visit shopping malls, book stores, restaurants, movie theaters etc. and he does very well.  However, when he’s approached by people he gets excited.

The question is how do we make him a calm, well-behaved puppy in all situations?  The good news is we’ve encountered two great trainers who are experts in this type of training.  Ramona from CA Academy of Dog Behavior and Carol who trained for Saddleback Parks and Rec.  #2 on Archer’s to do list is probably Recalls.  On top of Archer’s regular schedule we’re going to look into getting group classes with one of these two great dog trainers.

Top Training Priority: Meet & Greets/Recalls
Training Class: Obedience through CA Academy of Dog Behavior

I’ll be attending dog training classes several times a week with at least one of my four dogs between now and the end of the year.  Training is great for building your relationship with your dog.  I love attending and as I’ve mentioned before I’m an advocate of life long learning for both me and my doggies!

How about you guys?  What’s next on the agenda for your dogs?  Tell us about your dog in the comment section below.

Top Picks For Our Puppies

1. BEST PUPPY TOY
   We Like: Snuggle Puppy w/ Heart Beat & Heat Pack - Perfect for new puppies. We get all of our Service Dog pups a Snuggle Puppy.
2. BEST DOG CHEW
   We Like: Best Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
3. BEST DOG TREATS
   We Like: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites - One of our favorite treats for training our service dog puppies.
4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
   We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.

Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.