20% Project Presentation

I thought my presentation was really good because I was able to present on things I enjoyed and my favorite subject, my dog. The presentation itself had little words just the main topic of the slide because I wanted to be able to talk on different sub points on itself. My presentation went really good with different pictures and content from both projects. Overall I think I could have done much more on both projects and could have accomplished more, but I am happy for what I was able to get done through out the year. Getting this project that gives a way to get motivated to help others was something I took advantage of so not only I but my dog to be able to help others. I tried to do more than the minimum on the presentation, I wanted to capture the whole experience for both my projects and present the effect of people.

Closing Ceremony

On the last day of training lily had to preform an obstacle task to which all that she learned was put to the test. She tested all her acquired skills and received her certificate and was placed on the wall of fame for dogs. It was great seeing lily accomplish her beginners class and proud to know she will accomplish many more. I felt like a mother when her daughter is graduating elementary school. The whole family was there in support of lily, cheering her on while being her camera crew. She will later be put up to further training to become a therapy dog to help sick people in ways that humans cant to.

Week 10

Sit-Stay and Shake:
Stay means to remain in the position i ell you to until I say otherwise. In the beginning, you will only work on teaching your dog to stay for a period of time. As you progress through, you will work on adding distance and distractions.

• start your dog in the sitting position
• say "Stay" as you give the hand signal of open palm held flat in front of your dog
• count to three and calmly reward your dog
• count to three again and use the clicker

Its important to reward your dog while they are in the stay position, not when you give the release word.

Lily obtained this skill very easily withing the few minutes I was able to get her a couple minutes to stay and then began the distance situation. I am able to leave the room for short periods of time and come to Lily in  the same place. It's helpful if I am handling dangerous items and I don't want her to come any closer I give the command I feel better of her staying safe.

Spend some time working on shake. Using a clicker will get this faster.

• Have someone use the clicker and give the treats
• use your hand as the signal place in front of the paw
• use your other hand to gently nudge behind their leg until they place it on your outstretched hand
• mark the behavior when it rises
• mark the behavior to touch your dogs paw with your hand
• have your dog lift their paw higher to touch your hand
• add the verbal cue "shake"

Week 9

Take It/Leave It
It's important to teach your day what he can and can't put in their mouth. Set your dog up for success.
The ultimate gal is to have your dog look at you for permission before picking something up in their mouth. When training this cue, reward your dog with a different treat than the one you will place on the floor.

• put a small treat in your hand
• if your dog tries to grab the treat, close your hand and say "Leave It"
• once your dog stops grabbing for your hand, open your hand and offer your dog the treat while saying "Take it"
• once you get to the point where your dog waits for you to say "Take It", you can increase the difficulty, like on the floor for more temptation.

Lily is quite picky to treats, so to learn this cue it took a long time, but eventually mastered it. She began to understand that certain items like small jewelry or sharp items are not permitted while treats are always welcomed.

Week 8

Drop It:
There will be times when your dog picks something up that they shouldn't have in their mouths. For instance, if your dog picks up something like a dropped medication or a sharp utensil, the cue "Drop It" could save their life. The best way to teach this command id by playing tug.

• offer a tug toy to your dog
• play with your dog for a few minutes
• stop playing and wait for your dog to release the to
• if your dog continues to tug, STOP and WAIT
• when your dog gives up the toy, mark the behavior wit the clicker 
• when your dog is consistently letting go of the toy every time, add in the words, "Drop It"

I enjoed teaching Lily this comand very much because she got play time also She usually doesn't play tug a war instead grabs the top and runs while everyone is running behind her. Drop it has come in great use when she is in the kitchen eat grabs something that is harmful for days and she'll imediately release it. 

Week 7

Down:
Teaching your down to lie down will help you prevent some unwanted behaviors. It also helps your dog relax when they are overly excited. You use the same luring method as sitting.

• start with your dog in the sitting position
• hold a treat
• keep the treat close to your dog's nose
• slow, lower your hand to the floor - your dog's head will follow
• move your hand around the outside of your dog's body toward his bottom end - this will cause their head to follow your hand around, resulting in their body sliding into a down position

Teaching a dog to lie down can be very difficult for some. you may need to break down into smaller steps. you can do what is called shaping the behavior. Mastering one portion of the behavior at a time.

Lily had some trouble with this relation of a command and has not fully mastered the skill yet. She still needs a bit of a guidance every now and then. Other than that, she looks like a frog in the down position. 

Week 6

Sit for Greeting:
Dogs will jump on your for many reasons, although normal, it's your job to teach them an alternate behavior. In order to discourage your dog from jumping, you may have to change some of your own behaviour.

For example, when you come home and your dog greets you at the door by jumping all over you, you could be inadvertently teaching your dog that it's okay to jump on you when you come home in the front door. In this situation, by petting your dog you are rewarding him for jumping. Rather than petting your dog when you come home, you can ask them to sit, then pet them. If they get up you stop and walk away. After doing this a few times, your dog will learn hat he only gets your attention when they are sitting nicely.

Do not let any visitors or anyone else to pet them unless all four paws are on the ground or sitting.

NEVER use your dog's collar, "knee" them in the chest or step/pinch his paws to discourage jumping. this is only causing your dog to fear you coming home.

Week 5

Loose Leash Walking:
With a little bit of training and patience, you'll be able to master the skill and enjoy walks with your dog much more. Loose leash walking is for everyday walks not like heel is more controlled for crowded situations. Patience is key, along with repetition.

• Stand until your dog sees they can't take you where they want to go
• Have a close hold on the leash about a 2 food radius between yourself and the dog
• reward your dag when they are calm and paying attention
• Don't move or attempt to reel them back in, wait for your dog to return to you
• say your dog's name and "let's go" and take a step. 

If your dog dashes out to the end of the leash, STOP and WAIT. When your dog returns to you, start over.

your dog will learn that by not pulling, the walk continues. This is a life reward, instead of treats continuing the walk is the reward.

If your dog much like lily doesn't want to walk or refuse to walk, don't be afraid to drag them behind you. It is your choice to go walking and where to. They will get the jest of it soon enough.

While learning this command with lily, I learned many things about what attracts lily and what to expect. Although, walking a few steps then turning back the opposite way may have looked a bit odd, the command in the long run is worth it. Now she walks with no problem, always withing my 2 feet radius.

Week 4

Sit:
Teaching your dog a reliable sit is very important. Once your dog has mastered the sit cue, they will do it every time you ask. The secret is to teach your dog the action before the word. Small treats recommended.

• hold the treat in your hand between your thumb and index finger
• keep your palm open facing he ceiling
• Ho;d the treat slightly in front of your dog's nose
• slowly lift the treat above your dog's head- causing your dog to look up
• as your dog continuously looks up they reach a  point to where they must sit to continuous look at the treat.
• Mark the behavior with the clicker and treat as their bottom hits the floor

Week 3

Come When Called:
One of he most important cues you can teach your dog. Always reward your dog for coming to you when you call them because it will help ensure they will come to you every time they are called.

• start somewhere with few to no distractions
• attach a long leash (20ft) 
• Have some one occupy your dog while you go out the distance of the leash
• Excitedly say your dog's name followed  by "come"
• Always reward your dog he when they get to you , use several treats to encourage them to stay put.   

Lily generally comes when called although she does have her time when she choose to ignore anyone and everyone. She needs continuous effort on this part for any emergency situations.                  

Week 2

Handling skills:
Learning the common handling skills is essential for any puppy to not become aggressively playful. The acronym I learned was 2E and 4T. Being able to touch your pet without any growling and biting makes the difference. The two Es signify the ears and eyes while the 4 Ts signify the teeth, tummy, tail, and toes. Its important to be able to reach any of those areas with any necessity or  emergency.

-Encourage the petting with treats as you touch all over to connect the behaviors

As lily being stuck at my house was constantly touched by all my family and was very comfortable being touched. The only caution subject is nail clipping, but I've managed. This concept was very useful before a trip to the vet, as to Lily most definitely does not enjoy the vet.

Week 1

Introducing a Clicker : 

Using a clicker is the way to signal the pet that they did something correctly.

Every time you ask your dog to perform a behavior you need to mark the behavior with either a work or in Lily's case the clicker.

Watch Me:

If you don't have your dog's attention, you can't teach them anything. The first thing all dogs need to learn is the Watch Me Cue. 

• When your dog is looking away, say "Dog's name, Watch Me."
• When they look up at you, use clicker and reward them with a treat/praise
• Gradually increase the time by withholding the treat for several seconds
• Constant practice is required

Although lily knew her name and understood to look at the person she continuously ignores certain people.

Meet Lily

I came by with Lily from a neighbor. They got her brother to who is now named shadow. Originally we wanted him, but ended up with so much better. As soon as I saw her I knew she was going to be mine. My family and I were to have a family meeting the following day, but coming home to my dad with food, bowls, puppy bed, blankets and sweaters without my mother's knowledge. Came as a surprise to my mother and myself since I always wanted a pet but never was allowed. I suppose my dad thought I was ready enough and responsible enough to take care of another creature. I care for her with my life and as one of my own.