Puppy Class # 1

3-13-17 When momma got home from work that day we packed my zebra bag full of treats, vaccination records, and a leash (I tried to get rid of it and the collar but Momma found them under my blanket).  Momma told me it was time for Puppy Class!  I was furry excited.  We went inside the store and waiting by the training area and saw a cute lil Shih Tzu named Harley and found out he was in my class.  Oh boy!

Miss Nanette arrived and let us into the training area.  She asked if Harley could come over and sniff noses.  I said sure and he smelled so nice!  We did roll call and were missing a lab pup named Vader. So we just talked with the trainer for a few minutes until Vader came in with his momma.   Aww!  I was very excited to meet him cause he was all black and all cute!!!  Once we were all there and settled Nanette had our pawrents tell the class about each of us and tattle on our bad habits.  Mine were finger biting and digging.  She gave each of us pointers on how to curb those habits.  We reviewed using age/size appropriate toys, puppy body language, how to communicate effectively with puppies and Nanette told our hoomans how to make our kennels a good place to be (not just a place that when we go into them poof the hoomans disappear). 

Then we were told that at the end of the course if we graduated puppy class we could have the option to take a test to become an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy.  Its a simple test that shows we have the basics to be good puppy citizens.  Such as carrying poo bags for clean ups, having an id tag attached to your collar (even if its itchy and bothersome), keeping vaccines current, playing well with other puppies/hoomans, walking with a loose leash, able to be handled by hoomns other than your hooman and knowing basic commands.  The AKC S.T.A.R. test does allow for the use of treats unlike the big dog CGC test.  Which is good cause I do love treats!!!

 The next thing our hoomans learned was how to use the clicker.  I really enjoyed this part because I got a num num treat every time the box clicks!  How wonderful is that?!?!  Once we learned the clicker means treats are coming we paired it with words.  The first word was "LUCYWATCHME", as soon as I look at momma, the box clicks and boom-treat!  Then we started paring the clicker with a trick.  Now I watched Harley then Vader and when it came to my turn the treat was lured over my head, I sat, the box clicked and boom-treat.  Woohoo!  I like this clicky box! 

After some practice and rewards, we recieved our homebook booklets and were dismissed for the evening.  Here is my official first puppy class photo.  

And another one fur good measure!

After class we walked around the store, I met some nice tiny hoomans and picked up some dentastix.

When I got home I crashed on the couch and slept through till morning!  I had so much fun and look forward to next weeks class and seeing my fur-iends!

Puppy Growls,
Lucy