Dog Training Part One

We got a dog.  December 13th.  At that time, the estimate was 6 months old, so figure him to be about 8 months now... Billy.  Cute and full of Piss and Vinegar.

My plan was to do things differently: brush him daily, so he gets used to it.  Handle his feet and rub his nails with the clippers, clip now and then so he is mellow (ha) and unafraid.  Having two pups in our marriage, and being consistently inconsistent with both of them, I know that this early conditioning is pretty important.

Billy came home, Chirstmas happened, a few trips, life - and here it is past the middle of February.  Billy had integrated himself into all our hearts, but has received very little training.  I feel this is a disservice to him.  He is smart, and training will keep him occupied.  He has a relative that recognizes letters for gosh sake.

My dog training is limited to the six week "puppy kindergarten" type class where the owner is as much the trainee as the pet.  So, here is the deal.  I think I can do this... and he is too "old" for the traditional puppy kindergarten.

I will watch videos on dog training.  I will work with him daily.  And, in 6 weeks, ok, give me 7 cuz watching videos will take some time... I plan on having a pup that can:

Sit, down, stay, up, off, (I learned that- training up makes it easier to train off 😉) Drop it, leave it, porch, come and whatever I may have forgotten that I determine is important.

I figure a few things.  This may keep Billy out of some trouble he has been managing to get into.  It may provide bonding moments.  It may make him the star of dog training if we then decide to do it or it may make the additional training unnecessary.  it may drive us both crazy, but it is only 7 weeks... we will survive!

Recognize this is not just a post about dog training, but a post about me committing to do something EVERY DAY for the next 7 weeks.  I was going to say at least twice a day for two 15 minute increments... but I'm giving myself a bit more leeway...

I'll let you know how I'm doing along the way.  Any you tube videos I should be watching before I start?

PS in case you missed it, Billy is Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Siberian Husky, Pomeranian, Shitzu, Akita and Bulldog... primarily the first two, but obviously, a Super Mutt.