With conformation on hold till Mr. matures a bit, I have shifted our focus to Obedience skills. We have been working on:
- Pivoting for heeling
- Sitting on a target mat for heel, front, and side positions
- Building strength for tuck sits
- Building strength for fold-back downs
- Backing up in heel position with a gate and wall as a guide
- Recalls
- Fetch
- Figure 8 around cones (just him) for strength & coordination
- Being rewarded in heel position in public places (Hobby Lobby and Marshalls so far)
Video of heel, front and side positions with sit targets:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1LTAi5zROM
Video of tuck sits, fold back down, and back up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuf0_CwEx9Y
He also was introduced to live rats and hunting for them (pet rats protected in a carrier) for the sport called Happy Ratter, which mimics rat hunting in an urban alley type setting. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4FYAACGdWI
We also continue to work on the grooming table for exams/body handling and displaying his teeth for the Judge, being picked up (he’s not a fan right now, but it’s getting better), I started the first steps of teaching him to jump into my arms (making being held more of his idea), and more focus on stay training will be happening. He has learned a LOT in the 8 weeks I have had him!
