Clicker Training
I start to introduce my puppies to the clicker as soon as they are eating solid food, around 3 weeks of age. In the beginning I just click when I put their food dish down. This past week however, I've started to do individual training with the pups. Right now I'm mostly still clicking and treating so they begin to associate the click with food on an individual basis. But I am also starting to get them to do very simple behaviours like touching my hand, then I click and threat. It is at this age that I also start to teach my puppies to retrieve a stuff toy. They learn to bring it back to me for the treat. I don't use the clicker at this point but do use a treat to encourage them to give me the stuff toy. I always find it very interesting to see how the pups react to this behaviour. Some are not that interested in going after the stuffed toy, some will go and not bring it back, some will pick it up and come back but are reluctant to give it to me (try to go past me) and then there is the puppy that right from the start loves to retrieve AND brings it right back to me. I LOVE that puppy. All the pups in this litter are doing really well but so far Pippin is the one that brings it right back. Arwen brings it back but isn't as willing to give it up. ;) Treats help to encourage her to do this in a positive manner. I will eventually with the use of the clicker teach them to put the stuff toy right into my hand.
Fun Pictures at 5 to 6 weeks
This past week the puppies were moved to the pen in the back room which has a dog door to an outside pen. I am always absolutely amazed at how quickly 5-6 week old pups (with the help of their mom) learn to go through the dog door to the outdoor pen to do their "business". There is still the occasional "mistake" inside but for the most part the inside is clean.A LOT easier for clean up! :) They get play time out on the back deck and fence in area but also are still brought up into the front room several times a day for play time and socialization with visitors. |
