I adopted a pup from the rescue I work with last month. That puts me at three dogs at my house, one foster, Ollie approaching 2 years old and Bru who is now 17 weeks old. Yes, my life seems to revolve around dogs now, trying to follow all the guildlines of having multiple dogs. They get along but are still separated accept for the occasional walk with two at a time.

I've had Bru since the 17th of May. I liked him from the beginning because he seemed so calm for a pup, but also very attentive. I've read on here that you really shouldn't "train" so much for the first few weeks with a pup and I haven't really...just starting with marker training like marking when he looks at me and when he sits ect. He's just so darn smart. He will sit and down and looks at me always. This may sound stupid, but I swear he reads my body language and kind of knows what I want him to do. Ollie has really come a long way and responds to commands reliably. He has a good recall although not one I trust 100%. He's a rescue and a couch potato.

Not to take away from Ollie, who is as loveable as can be, but Bru is just different. He's not satisfied unless we're interacting and likes to learn. Again, I've been doing marker training somewhat, but I've decided to take a beginners training class with him for both our benefit. I wanted to run it by you guys.

This person is a breeder of Labs and an AKC evaluator. (?) He trains for AKC OB, Rally and agility. He gives a 10 week class, one night a week for beginners and then offers a intermediate course geared toward CGC certification to those who complete the beginners course. Below is a link to their class descriptions.

Am I on the right track here? I haven't found many classes around here besides PetSmart, so I'm hoping this a good option.

Thanks in advance for your input.

http://www.labradoritekennels.com/index.asp?ID=32

The short answer is yes, I think you are on the right track. Your puppy sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders and I think there is the potential there for you two to have a really great training relationship.

While I can't really comment on the particular trainers you referred us to, I did take a quick look at the web site. I didn't see where they say what their training methods are, but I'm sure you could make a phone call and find out. Ask as many questions as you need to. If they use marker type training/positive reinforcement, it will most likely mesh well with the training you have already started.

BTW, AKC evaluator just means he's certified to do the CGC evaluations. After you finish the beginner class, you may be inspired to go for the CGC or go on to advanced obedience training. Have fun with your puppy!

Thanks, Cheri!

I regret not having done something like this with Ollie, but I'm thinking I can take what I learn home to him as well. He's a good dog.

I'm calling today to ask some questions and hopefully register for the class. I'd like for him to have his CGC eventually. Occasionally, I've been asked to talk at schools and children's groups for the rescue. It would be awesome to have Bru come along someday.

Below are pictures. We were cleaning out the car. He thought he was going for a ride!

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy211/janetdunut/122.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy211/janetdunut/123.jpg

Cute puppy! You're right, anything you would learn in a class with Bru could definitely be applied to training Ollie. At not-quite-two years old, he's still pretty much a pup himself.

What a great thing to have the opportunity to talk to kids about dog rescue!