Another Rockin' Puppy Camp
Well puppy camp was once again a blast. I was very impressed with the way the campers all were able to create focus and drive in some pretty young puppies. The key was “fast and fun” transitions. From the crate to work and back to the crate, including balance breaks (yes that is correct all you that worked with me in BC, we came up with a new name for ‘stress breaks’). Balance breaks are quick breaks in your shaping sessions used to increase the dog’s excitement level and give both dog and handlers a break from their work. We used to call them “stress breaks” but too many students were taking them to alleviate signs of stress in their dogs (inadvertently rewarding the dogs for stopping their work). The newly named “balance breaks” gives you balance between using food rewards and playing with toys. The students at puppy camp last week embraced the concept wonderfully. Here is a short clip from last week’s Puppy Camp. Tomorrow we kick off Skills Camp, another big group coming in from all over (from California to Texas to Minnesota to New Jersey to Alberta and many ports in between!). [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_V5PV76Hxw] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_V5PV76Hxw
Today I am grateful we have scheduled a couple of yoga sessions (for staff and any students that are interested) before Skills camp this weekend (everything packed into one fun adventure!)
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Andrea says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 4:51am
Oh no, you put Michel in the video, now I’ll really never hear the end of it! LOL
Tracy says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 6:10am
My partner was in the video twice! Superstar!
Wishy says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 8:05am
Love the video! Everybody looks like they are having FUN!
Crystal says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 8:33am
Wow what an awesome tug that little aussie is using!!! Glad they are working out!
Andrea says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 10:10am
We had SOOO much fun at Puppy Camp. Tracy was a ROCKIN’ partner, we were definitely spoiled!
You’ll be so glad to know that both Leilani and our 2 year old Lilli have fully embraced the skills we learned in Puppy Camp and are tugging and giving all sorts of fabulous behaviors. You are all in our hearts and minds and our home is a TON more fun than it was last week.
Thank you so much for your generous contributions to us and our baby girl! I can’t wait for our next Say Yes camp!
Andrea and Jason
marsha says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:36am
fantastic – gives me puppy-itis!!!
Jason says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:54am
The Puppy camp experience was priceless.
Emma says:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 1:52pm
Ooooooh, I can’t wait for puppy camp with my little guy I’m getting at the end of June!
Do you have any idea when your next one will be?
Lynne Brubaker says:
Friday, April 17, 2009 at 5:32pm
Kill me with that really adorable Aussie puppy, looked like so much fun!
Claire says:
Friday, April 17, 2009 at 6:02pm
So Jason, did puppy camp live up to the reviews?
Laurel and Maggie says:
Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 9:36pm
We’re coming to puppy camp for sure when I get my next one. Fortune and Encore look great – bet they’re glad to be home!
Tracy Custer says:
Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 5:01pm
Great stuff! What is the name of the song in the vid? Sounds like Beyonce…….enjoyed the lyrics.
Tracy
Tara says:
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 9:26am
That looks like SO much fun!!!!
I’ll be watching my emails for updates on when your next camp is… I have a 13 w/o BC puppy now!!!!! =)