Caly and her new friends, playing in their Puppy Pre-School class at 11 weeks old.  She graduated on July 28th, 2005 with a new squeaky moon and a very good sit.  I highly recommend going to Puppy Pre-School.  It's good for the puppy parents and the puppies.  Another great alternative to the pre-school class, or in addition to, is the doggy daycare program.  Caly came home exhausted every day she attended.  I mean exhausted in a way that couldn't be matched with walks or playing with humans.  Out like a light for the evening.  So, If you want to catch up on anything, send your pup to daycare for the day.  It's good for both of you.  How's that old saying go?  Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  However, I was still shocked at how much I missed her company during the day. 

As a result, her doggie daycare experience has taught her how to communicate effectively with all types of dogs.  Another benefit was many different people handling her, so she is receptive to and accepting of others' commands.  Well, at least the best way Malamutes know how.  It seems you have less than a 50/50 chance of your pup deciding to respond to your command.  Which is not entirely true, however, it sure seems like it some days.  I've found that using the positive approach to training and the clicker method helps considerably.  Not only does it make it easier for you, but easier for your pup, too.  This translates into fun, fun, FUN!  Much better than fighting with your pup, eh?

For those of you getting your first puppy, I would suggest exploring your options and methods of training.  The most important thing is finding something that works for you and your pup, then stick with it and remain consistent.  Not to say you won't use different approaches or methods from time to time, or change your mind along the way.  Just remember that training should be fun.  You're developing a  relationship with a new family member, so to speak.  Might as well enjoy it, or what's  the point, right?  I'm telling ya now, this is a solid investment in years of entertainment!

Going back to the clicker training . . . Caly did this cute little spin and chase her tail thing.  I wanted to associate a command with it.  As she would spin in the living room for fun, I would click my clicker to mark the behavior, and give her a treat.  Soon I was able to label the behavior or teacher her that the word "twirl" meant to repeat this behavior.  She learned it in a day.  And soooo easy!  Same thing was applied to sitting, waiting, down, off, etc.  Just waited for the behavior I wanted, click and treat.  Easy. 

The best thing about it, we both had fun and enjoyed each other's company.  A few true moments of bonding.

 

At 12 weeks old, Caly started her first Obedience class with classmate, Mazy.  The little yellow lab to the left.  What a sweet puppy!  However, both puppies were a bit confused.  "Wasn't the classroom supposed to be about playing?  That's what we did last time."  Oh no little puppy, you're in with the BIG dogs now.  By the end of the 6 weeks, Caly was trying everything to get attention.  She would sit and howl until everyone busted up laughing.  What a class clown.  She certainly taught her momma some lessons in Obedience Level 1.  As cute and funny as the howling was, it now scares some people.  She's almost 70 pounds of howl.  Beware and be aware of the cute little things that puppies do.  It's much easier to redirect a behavior rather than trying to eliminate it.  Even if I can't stop the attention howling at the moment, at least she's sitting and not jumping on people.  Awh.  Little steps.

If you're interested in a well rounded training center and access to doggie daycare, I highly recommend giving Sumner Vet Hospital and It's A Dog's World a try.  The staff is great and extremely helpful.