Typist: Bethany Honestly, I am not very good at making or keeping dog, cat and parrot training goals. While there are, of course, certain behaviors I want to proof or new ones I'd like the pets to learn, I tend to let the pets be the guides in how our training sessions go. If I am too rigid about a specific behavior being learned by a certain date, training becomes laborious. Since it is of the utmost importance that training time be fun for the pets and I, I tend to be too relaxed about creating training goals. My already loose training plans are even less rigid since the dogs and I have not competed formally for a couple of years. I doubt that we will return to competition but I know that it is still important to have training goals. What I want most out of pet training in 2015 is to return to a regular training routine. With proper, fun training goals, I think the pets and I can enjoy training time together as well as learn a lot from each other this coming year. |
- Schedule regular obedience and trick training sessions with each pet. I do a good job of fitting mental stimulation for each into every day but I'd like to have a more formal training routine.
- Attend at least one positive reinforcement training seminar. 2014 was just too busy for any seminars but I love all I learn and whichever dog I attend with always gets an excellent experience.
- Keep an organized training journal. I know. I know. I can't believe I don't do this either. Every awesome positive reinforcement training teacher I have ever had has stressed the importance of keeping a good training journal. I have kept scattered notes here and there but I am finally going to have a thorough journal.
- Enjoy a few agility fun runs with Wilhelm and Huxley. They just get such joy from this sport. Between our horrible 2014 and a lack of agility space that works for us, we haven't done nearly enough of the sport my dachshund and collie adore. I have promised them we will remedy our lack of agility fun.
- Proof the dogs "bow" and "sit pretty" cues.
- Attempt to improve Amelia's "sit" cue to become a "stay."
- Expand on Leo's "take" and "hold" cues to teach him to drop a ball in a basket.
Welcome to First Mondays Positive Pet Training Blog Hop hosted by Cascadian Nomads, Tenacious Little Terrier and Rubicon Days. Please share your 2015 pet training goals by linking a blog post or leaving a comment below. Any positive reinforcement training posts or comments are also welcome. Our next hop will begin Monday, February 2nd which is the beginning of Responsible Pet Owner's Month. We will also have a positive reinforcement training prize pack giveaway so mark your calendars now! |