~Musketeer's 3rd Report Card~

(Actual "Report Card" for this week.)

This week Musketeer has continued to get used to being handled (important for grooming, vet visits, random petting by strangers), walking loosely on a leash, and has continued to practice the commands of "sit" and "watch me." He has begun to learn the "take it" command, how to auto sit when the handler stops, the phrase "Let's go" which tells him that we are about to begin walking, how to get on a dog bed upon command, and how to enter his kennel upon command. He has also been getting used to walking next to an electric wheel chair. Musketeer has been practicing sitting and waiting politely before being allowed to eat his food. This is practicing the very hard skill of patience. His training locations this week have been the trainer's house, Walmart, Petco, Target, Tractor Supply Company, a local neighborhood and the park. 

During his training program you will see the same commands continued to be practiced in various locations. This is important because dogs do not generalize like humans do and therefore must be taught to generalize. Once they have generalized a large quantity of behaviors in many different scenarios and locations, they will begin to do it on their own, especially if the behaviors are similar. Not only will they continue to reinforce the commands they are learning, but they will be learning a skill that will allow them to take what they have learned and be comfortable and confident in doing it wherever they go. Next week, Musketeer will be introduced to the "leave it" command, begin to socialize with new people, will learn how to appropriately "say hello" to people and other dogs, the appropriate behavior while being pet and will be introduced to the down command.

I am thrilled that Diabetic Alert Dogs of America take the time to not only tell me what Musketeer is learning, but also letting me know the why, where, and how of it all. As Musketeer is learning all of these different commands, I'm trying to learn them, where I'd need them and what will be the result when giving these commands. Being consistent is extremely important and I'm THRILLED to be kept up to date with everything!

THANK YOU

for

checking in on

Musketeer Puppy!