Although I do not own a Kira pup, I have the pleasure of having one (Jack) in a group class I am teaching. His dad Joe, after watching me demo the down from a stand, began teaching Jack. When I checked back in no more than 4 to 5 minutes, Joe showed me what Jack had learned. Joe stood and said “Down” with no extra lures or signals and Jack instantly went into a perfect, graceful sphinx down with perfect focused attention on Joe the entire time. Once released, Jack did a perfect stand without moving his feet. Joe is a beginning trainer and probably doesn’t even realize how incredibly smart and coordinated that Jack is. I was also very impressed with Jack’s beautiful movement and reach during the loose leash walking practice.
Joe did tell me that Jack’s time with Chevy on Sunday has worked wonders with tweaking Jack’s pushy puppy attitude into a much more pleasant and cooperative one. Chevy is so good at teaching pups that I call her “the best mother that never was!”
Margot I think Chevy’s “twin” Chopper is the same way, at least in my experience so far. She is very good at teaching doggy manners without holding a grudge. She will let Nikon know exactly when he has gone too far, and then will be playing with him two minutes later.
I am so glad I have two other dogs to “help” me with Nikon! Coke helps me by giving Nikon lots of exercise and play, and Chopper helps by teaching him doggy manners and the rules of the house (and also play!).
No offense to Joe, but I am sure he is clueless to the fact that Jack is ruining him—ruining him for dogs he has after Jack. 🙂 That really is an amazing. Jack is clearly a dog that wants nothing more to please you. All he needs is clear communication to help him understand what you want of him.
I also want to commend Joe and Lisa for taking private lessons with Margot to bolster their group lessons. Kudos to you! Shows great commitment on your part.
Having other dogs is a mixed blessing. On one hand when you have older well-mannered dogs that can take their turn with the puppy raising duties. On the other hand it is easy to slack-off on your duties and let the older dogs do all the puppy raising.