Adopting Puppies from Rescue situations

I have had the privilege of working with many families who have elected to rescue a puppy in need, Many of these puppies missed much of their early socialization opportunities, which they should have received at a younger age, and started life in their forever homes "behind" and unsure with themselves before training. I am happy to report that 94% of the puppies I worked with from shelter backgrounds in 2017 stayed with the families that originally adopted them! This is a huge credit to the shelters for high quality screening and selection for the families wishing to adopt them! Great Job Everyone!

Graduating Students!!!!!

This past month I've had several successful graduates. Their family's are looking forward to the rewarding summer that they will have with their newly educated canines. Several of the dogs and puppies will now be capable of accompany their owners on family vacations and summer trips! I have sincerely enjoyed the challenges that each one of them has provided to me. 

Jett and Grace from Shutesbury Ma.

Mara from Boston Ma.

Franklin from Shrewsbury ma

Bones from Spencer Ma.

Lexi from Leicester Ma.

Chopper from Westfield Ma.

Jasper from North Hampton ma.

Jaeger from North Brookfield Ma.

Lola from Holden Ma.

Jazz from East Brookfield Ma.

Brook from Leicester Ma.

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!

Bouncy Bailey

Bailey is a thirteen week old boxer puppy rescued from Puerto Rico. She is already an excellent well rounded and socialized puppy. Her owners are being proactive to get her off to a good start by starting training now before any issues have a chance to develop. Starting off before there are any problems really is the best way to ensure you end up with the dog you always wanted.

For this week Bailey will be work on more involved socialization and begin learning house manners, basic obedience (starting with the important command to come)  and to be well behaved around the family's two elderly cats. Each week we will progress her training and socialization so she is constantly successful.

My approach with Bailey is to teach her all the ways she can earn rewards before teaching her the things that we don't want her doing. She will be controlled with the usage of a crate whenever her owners cannot watch her, and redirected when she nips in play or jumps. This puppy has the luxury of belonging to a family member who is retired and can give her the exposure, exercised and training she deserves. I'm really looking forward to sharing my knowledge with this excited family.

Progress With Bones

Bones the 14 week old Great Pyrenees puppy is making excellent gains. He is now sleeping through the night and is nearly housebroken. His owners are doing an excellent job following the curriculum for his socialization and basic obedience commands.  He really enjoys learning and has mastered his first level of sit, come, and down. I added the stay command this week and Bones will begin learning to follow commands with increased distractions. He is becoming the well rounded dog they dreamed of. Bones still needs a little work on handling his feet, but with the help of a spoonful of peanut butter and lots of praise he is learning that people touching his feet is enjoyable. All family dogs should learn that being handled by humans is enjoyable. This safe guards against potential fear induced aggression in adulthood. After his Puppy Class last week Bones enjoyed some playtime with his sister( My own dog ) Maintaining and learning social skills with other dogs is very important to having a well balanced dog.

Jasper Having Some "Dog" Time

Jasper the French Briard that I've been working with long term visits my own home to play with Elsa my personal dog. They are well bonded and now play together fantastically. I am really happy Jasper has learned how to enjoy her company. Jasper has been progressing well with his loose leash walking and only occasionally tests his owner in his previous weak areas. He is a successful work in progress and improving with each session. His owner is so commited to him and gives me great feedback about how he is doing!

Freedom.....ACAP'S First Service Dog Puppy

Last night and this morning I have been evaluating ACAPS first puppy. He is a 13 week old male yellow lab Named Freedom. Myself, Pat Dykas of Leicester ma. and Holly Huard of Ware, MA have created this partnership to train dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism who could use assistance.

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Lexi Is Becoming A Social Animal

Lexi is a four-month-old golden retriever. Her owners are being proactive with her so she will become a well adjusted companion, and she has started learning that following commands and looking to humans for direction is fun and rewarding.

It is important to frequently reward puppies like Lexi with food, praise, or toys for looking at their owners. This teaches them to "ask" instead of impulsively reacting to their environments. Her owners have also learned to reward her for remaining calm and friendly while excited or under stress. We have been gradually and repeatedly exposing Lexi to traffic, loud noises, and children so that she can learn to behave appropriately in these environments. 

Puppies are very impressionable. Owners that hire a trainer to teach them and train their puppy avoid so that many of the common problems people experience with their dogs.