Teaching a Puppy to Come

The Dog Squad Monthly Bark Report

Volume 4 Issue 5

May 2013

Spring is Here?

Spring hasn't quite sprung in all parts of the US yet but some signs are showing in the Bay Area.

I am continuing to add new classes including Puppy Classes for 10 to 20 week old dogs. See the class listing below.

In this month's newsletter article I am presenting a puppy training method called "Paper Plate Recall". A fun way to train your puppy or any dog to come.

Hope you enjoy this month's newsletter.

Steve Bettcher, IACP Certified Dog Trainer

The Dog Squad

Teaching a Puppy to Come - Paper Plate Recall

The late Dick Russell, a dog trainer from Louisiana, taught me this really neat method of training a puppy to come. He called it "Paper Plate Recall".

His method involves using several paper plates to teach off leash control of your dog. Any type of paper plate works well. There are, however, some dogs that will try to retrieve the paper plate or want to play with it so he suggests getting 10x10 or 12x12 white ceramic floor tiles instead of the paper plate.

Dick's method involves teaching the dog to run away from you and then to call him back. This is done by teaching your dog to go to the target, our paper plate, to fetch a reward (treat) and then to come back to us to receive another treat. This is fun for your puppy because he gets rewarded at both ends of the run.

Start by putting your puppy on a leash. Put him into a sit. Place a paper plate on the ground about 6 inches away from him. Place a food treat on it and then tell your puppy "Away". Let the puppy go to the plate and take the treat then call him to you with the command "Come". As he comes back to you tell him, "Good Dog", touch his collar then give him a treat.

After a few runs start increasing the distance slowly. I like using a flexi-lead so that it is easy to increase the distance without having to use a dragging leash or cumbersome long line. In just one or two sessions you should be able to send to your puppy out to 20 feet plus.

This exercise can also be done with adult dogs just as easily.

View video of Firo doing Paper Plate Recall

Click Here for Article on Puppy Come

New Specialty Class Offerings for 2013

Classes are all 6 weeks in length and are 1 hour in length except for Nosework which is an hour and a half. Dates and times are open to change depending on interest and weather.

Classes must reach a minimum of 4 students before they can run.

Click on the links below for more information and to sign up.

Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC Certificate)Prep: Open to Public, Oakland, CA

Wednesday 6:30 PM, May 15 - Jun 19th

Cost $225 Limit 8 Dogs

Introduction to Tricks: Open to Public, Oakland, CA

Wednesday 6:30 PM, Jun 26th - Aug 7th (Skip July 24th)

Cost $225 Limit 8 Dogs

Off Leash I: Open to only Dog Squad Clients who have trained on the E-collar. San Leandro, CA

Sunday 12 Noon, July 28 - Sept 8 (Skip Labor Day weekend)

Cost $225 Limit 8 Dogs

Puppy Class 1: Open to Public, Oakland, CA

Wednesday 6:30 PM, Aug 14 - Sept. 18

Cost $200 Limit 8 Puppies

Off Leash II: Open to Dog Squad Clients who have completed Off Leash I - E-collar Trained only, San Leandro, CA

Sunday 12 Noon, Sept 15 - Oct 20

Cost $225 Limit 8 Dogs

Introduction to Nosework: Open to Public, Oakland, CA

Wednesday 6:30 PM to 8 PM, Sept. 25 - Oct. 30

Cost $225 Limit 6 Dogs

Downtown Excursion Classes - Walnut Creek, Danville and Pleasanton

The "Dogs Downtown Excursions" have expanded to 3 Locations: Walnut Creek, Danville and Pleasanton starting Saturday April 6, 2013. The schedule will work as follows: The first Saturday of the month will be Walnut Creek, the 2nd Saturday will be Danville, the 3rd Saturday will be Pleasanton. I will be taking off the 4th weekend of every month. When a Saturday falls on the 5th weekend then an Bonus Class with location will be announced by email.

Locations:

Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA

The Fountain at the Corner of Linda Mesa Ave. & Railroad Ave. Danville

Delucchi Park, 4501 1st St., Pleasanton, CA

Schedule for April 2013

- Saturday May 4 - Civic Park, Walnut Creek

- Saturday May 11 - Danville

- Saturday May 18 - Pleasanton

- Saturday May 25 - No Class

Time Change for The San Leandro Marina Class

Starting Wednesday February 6th the Marina Class Will Start at 10:30 AM and go until 11 AM

Please check the Calendar to see where we will be meeting.

Canine Good Citizen Test - Saturday May 11, 2013

Sponsored by The Newfoundland Club of Northern CA

Date: Saturday May 11, 2013 at 1 PM.
Vasona Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd.,Los Gatos, CA (Peppertree Site)

Fee is $10 per dog. Pre-Registration only. Limit 10 Dogs.

Test will be run rain or shine.

Sign-Up Information

To Pay entry by Credit Card

AKC Canine Good Citizen

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