Great news! Ricochet earned his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award. What does this mean? It means that he completed a beginner and intermediate obedience class as well as passed an evaluation. The evaluation is a ten point test that focuses on good manners, obedience, and responsible dog ownership. Ric passed with flying colors!!! He isContinue reading “A Good Citizen???”
Tag Archives: dog training
Understanding the Why
I am still learning my way through dog training. Every day I educate myself a little bit more and each day I am acutely aware of just how much I have to learn. Sometimes (all the time), I think about areas where I went wrong with Waffles. Now, I absolutely refuse to play the blameContinue reading “Understanding the Why”
Stuck in an Infinite Loop
Training Ricochet has often felt like being stuck in an infinite loop. I need to work with him on impulse control and communication so that he doesn’t run out of the house to chase critters, busses, other dogs, weird looking butterflies, plastic bags, etc. I should start in the house right? Free from distractions? Wrong,Continue reading “Stuck in an Infinite Loop”
Getting Help.
I have help now. Ricochet’s crazy prey drive and reactivity was making enjoying him difficult. He is clever and quick to learn a trick but his anxieties and explosiveness are rooted deep. Every walk, game of fetch, run, etc. was a test of patience and, at times, infuriating. I came to the realization that tryingContinue reading “Getting Help.”
Reactive Ric
The struggle is real. I have been trying to find a good time to take Ricochet for a walk/run. 5:30-6:15 AM super dark outside, 6:15-7:00 AM rabbits and squirrels galore, 7:00-7:30 AM school busses are out and Ricochet freaks out. Any time after that the day has started and I need to get my ownContinue reading “Reactive Ric”
Learning From Experience
We are officially back in New York. I am happy to report that there were not crazy shenanigans to be had on our journey back. I took the leash chewing, semi-chasing, bone burrying, and demented kangaroo jumping experiences from the last trip and made a few helpful changes. Change number one. Didn’t bring the dog.Continue reading “Learning From Experience”
Ricochet, Rabbit Killer.
I was outside playing with the kids the other day. I was pushing my youngest on the swing when all of a sudden my daughter screamed and fled onto the trampoline (I’m not sure why this was a refuge but…to each their own). “What’s wrong Z??” I asked. “Ricochet is eating a rat!!!!!!!” *deciphered betweenContinue reading “Ricochet, Rabbit Killer.”
Let’s Get on the Same Page
Oye. This past week has been kind of a one step forward two steps back type of situation. I have stuck to the 45 mins of training daily. Now, I know that it’s only been a short time (as in 5 days…it’s been 5 days) but the magical instant fix certainly is not happening. RicochetContinue reading “Let’s Get on the Same Page”
Committing to Change
Ricochet’s great escape still has me feeling panicked whenever I think about it. I feel like I am back in the same boat. Having a wonderful, sweet, friendly dog…that is impulsive and doesn’t listen. It makes me think about how providing Waffles with more training could have saved his life. I can’t go back, asContinue reading “Committing to Change”
That Rascally Rabbit…
I was watching over a friend’s house this weekend. I was really excited to do it because they have a massive fenced in yard and said that I was welcome to bring Ricochet over. This was going to be the perfect opportunity to work on recall, to practice listening outside, and to get in aContinue reading “That Rascally Rabbit…”
The Heralding Hound 