We know which pup will be ours for the next year and a half. The gigantic pup on top of the heap! For now, his name is Axel. We may be changing it once he arrives and we get an idea of his personality.
We're busy preparing for his arrival. Here are the things we're thinking about:
- where will he sleep at night (definitely crated, probably in our bedroom)
- where will he stay during the day when I'm out (definitely crated, possibly in bedroom crate)
- what toys do we need to get (interactive, food-stuffable toys)
- where will we take him to socialize, but not overwhelm him (downtown Frederick at off-hours, farmer's market, soccer games [we'll have to "adopt" a neighborhood child since we don't have any ourselves!]
- what skills will we teach first (shaping, self control, polite walking, sit to greet).
It's really important for this pup to have as many different experiences as possible – he's going to be a big dog and will need to be rock-steady as a service dog. He'll need to get used to as many different sights, sounds, surfaces, and environments as possible. All of that, however, must be done in a systematic, non-threatening way — we'll make it as fun as possible using food, toys, and praise. And we'll be sure to watch him for signs of stress (averting his eyes, lip licking, tail and ear position, etc.).
Keep an eye on this blog, we'll update it as soon as we know more about our pup's arrival!
How great! I’ve raised three puppies for the GUide DOg Foundation for the Blind, and am now working as a trainer for Wilderwood Service Dogs.
We’ll check out your blog to here more about Axel!
Hi Erin, Bubbles, Texas, and Ben,
Great to hear you’re working with service dogs, as well. Does Wilderwood Service Dogs use positive reinforcement training to teach the dogs? The organization I work with (Service Dogs of Virginia) uses clicker training exclusively and the pups learn so quickly! I also use +R exclusively in my own business, Smart Dog University.
🙂 Happy training!
I’m so jealous. He looks like a lover. What an exciting challenge. I’ve done a couple of newspaper and magazine articles about puppy raisers. It’s amazing work.
Plus … (pardon the screaming) PUPPY!!!!!
Congrats on the new boy! We just got a new pup for Fidos…a curly-coated retriever named “Pilot”. 🙂 He’s here for a few days until heading to his puppy raiser.