Raising a puppy is a complex process, especially if one hasn't done it in awhile. So much material is available in books and online — a mixed blessing, because what works for one dog doesn't work for another. So Learning #1 is that if someone tells you that they have the be-all, end-all solution for your doggie problem, it's not to be believed. We all have to find our own way, trying one solution, then another, until something works with our particular dog. With Piper, who is definitely cute but also high-energy, confident and stubborn, we have found that firmness, positive-oriented training, and lots of affection works best. Also, Goldens are very food-oriented, so treats have become indispensable in her training, at least for the time being.
Learning #2: Puppy Kindergarten rocks! We had our fourth session this morning at Happy-Go-Lucky Dog Training in NE Portland, and can't say enough about how helpful the trainer, Jenna Kirby, has been, and how good it has been for Piper to be around different puppies and their owners. We see clearly that dogs play differently according to their breed. When playing, for example, Labs and Goldens like to "body slam" (we know this from experience!), while German Shepherds tend to growl, etc.
Learning #3: Piper has been a terrible walker up to now. Actually, she didn't walk at all, pulling us this way and that, being "mule-ish" when she didn't like where we were going, then rolling around and chewing on the leash. We could see neighbors standing at their windows and chuckling at her antics. A few days ago, however, we bought a Non-Pull Mesh Harness, and it has made an amazing difference. We had tried the Gentle Leader, but with limited success because she spent so much time fighting the band over her nose. The harness gives us a great deal more control, but still leaves enough for her that she can harbor the illusion that she is in charge. Most important, she is no longer straining and choking on the flat collar.
Learning #4: The best toy we have discovered to date is the Buster Cube, which is a cleverly designed combination kick-around toy and food dispenser. Jenna introduced us to it at the first Puppy Kindergarten session, and we immediately ordered one because we saw how intently her dog played with it.
Piper has been very bitey and bratty at times, but each day we see those traits diminishing and more of the wonderful Golden qualities finding their way to the surface … she likes to sleep on our feet in the evening, for example, refrains more from biting when excited, and is mastering several commands, including sitting and staying in doorways as she comes and goes from the house and yard. She's also growing, tipping the scales at 27 lbs. a week ago.
Right now she is lying quietly on Mary's foot here in our office, which would have been unthinkable for this 3-1/2 month old pup a couple of weeks ago. Good dog, Piper!
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