Things I learned at Camp Carole this weekend.
LESSON 1) Be patient. Give your puppy a chance to figure it out.
Carole showed me how to teach Batman a new command, “Get on your mat.” The goal is for Batman to lay down on the mat. Here he is, trying to figure it out.
Duh, I'm on the mat, people. What more do you want? Sheesh!
We waited for him offer us different variations of being “on the mat,” tossing treats and giving a verbal “yes” as he got closer to the goal. It took him two minutes to figure it out in his first attempt. By the third attempt, he nailed it. After we finished training, we did play time, and during breaks, he would go right to the mat without us saying a word. This is one smart puppy.
THIS is what you want? Well, why didn't you just say so! I can do this -- I am Batman!
That reminds me, we need to get him a bigger mat.
LESSON 2) Challenge your puppy with more than just “puppy stuff.”
Here is Carole teaching Batman the first stage of the send-out. Not too shabby for a 4-month-old puppy! I really wish I had taped Barb’s send-out of Syd, which happened just before this one. Syd did a perfect plotz on command mid-run! It was really cool.
Video Puppy Send-Out:
Lesson 3) Be aware that your puppy might outsmart you.
Carole taught Batman to go to his crate using the command, “To the Batcave!” When I saw it, I thought it was so darn cute, I made Carole do it again so I could tape it. Well, Batman figured something was up if Carole was having him repeat the command. He thought maybe we wanted something different, so while we were expecting him to run back to his wire crate in the family room near Kayla, he dashed into his night-time crate in Carole’s bedroom instead! Dumb humans weren’t expecting that one!
Video To the Batcave!:
Thank you, Carole! You are the best.
To the BATCAVE??? That is the best thing I’ve ever heard! I think Batman may be the best name ever for a puppy. Only Batman gets to have a batcave. I’m jealous!
It is too bad the entire “To The Batcave” segment wasn’t taped. It looks like he’s been shot out of a Rocket when given the command. He was rewarded for the first go round. But when I called him into the kitchen for a repeat performance, he hesitated slightly. I could see his little wheels turning as he figured that I must now want him in his nite-nite batcave and off he went!
Batman is such a fun pup!
We were moving his Batmat farther away from us and he had no problem “getting it.” I did not teach Batman “go to your mat” until Jennie arrived. I wanted her to see Batman learn something new and how easily he’d catch on.
“I really wish I had taped Barb’s send-out of Syd, which happened just before this one. Syd did a perfect plotz on command mid-run! It was really cool.”
Since Barb NEVER reads the blog, it is safe for me to brag about Barb & Syd’s plotz exercise without Barb getting a big head. It was FANTASTIC!!! These two will be top-notch competitors.
Jennie, I LOVE that first picture…you can just see those little gears turning!! The Bat Cave is AWESOME…he is so darned cute…I think I’ve already watched it 6 times. He is a very very special puppy. You are going to have so much fun! Just promise that every once in a while you will give him an extra double-kickin belly rub from his Auntie Barb:), and remember there is no such thing as too many pictures!!!!
I was really proud of Syd:) … um, you wouldn’t be just saying that Carole because you would have liked to see me caught on tape doing snoopy jumping jacks, fist pumps, and screaming yes after tossing her the ball right?? hmmmm
It was an amazing sight. Syd was on a full sprint out and stopped immediately on the “plotz” command. I do wish there was video because Barb was over the moon and jumping and screaming like teenager at a concert. I think Syd was showing off a bit for visitors.
I love it! and I love the fact that you celebrated it! The dogs know this and it makes them more enthusiastic to please use.
LOL!!!! I almost sprayed Coke all over my keyboard seeing Batman run into his Batcave!!!! He is precious Jennie!!!!!
Batman you are so awesomesauce!! I can’t believe how big these kids are getting. Look at that fur, gorgeous black and red. love it.
I love that enthusiasm!!! Good work Carole! I am looking forward to more adventures from Batman and Jenni!
This is the cutest video ever. Hmmmmm, I wonder what Batman’s first Halloween costume will look like?
Great post. I look forward to hearing more Batman adventures…and lots of pictures!