By taking this longer path Echo got to experience walking on gravel, climbing over falling logs, running through leaves and weeds, and even being placed in a tree.
The Quest for the Perfect Dog: Day 14 “Hey, There’s Food in This Box!”
Today we took Echo’s tracking training a step further. Since grass is very fragent in itself it is the best place to begin tracking; the smell of the crushed vegetation helps to lead Echo to his prize. In order to further test his nose we decided to have him follow a trail inside where he…
The Quest to Raise the Perfect Dog: Day 13 “Hey, There’s Food in This Grass”
Since one of the reasons we got Echo was to train him in as many areas as possible we are doing all we can in the early stages to help him once official training begins. The first step for tracking is getting him used to using his nose to find things. We have started this…
The Quest to Raise the Perfect Dog: Day 12 “Let’s Go Exploring”
With the break in heat the last few days, Echo and I have been spending more time outdoors. Before, as soon as he would get in the sun, Echo would begin looking for shade or the kiddie pool. However, he is now able to tolerate the cooler temperatures and has realized that there is a…
The Quest for the Perfect Dog: Day 11 “Following the Leader”
This morning we took Echo, along with Hunter (our Min Pin), out to Eden Park where we discovered that Echo loves to follow our other dogs where ever they go. While this is useful in some instances, Patrick and I would prefer that Echo was looking more towards us for guidance than our other…
The Quest to Raise the Perfect Dog: Day 10 “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”
One of the things that Patrick and I started to realize over the last few days was that Echo was developing a big head from playing with our older dogs. Although a couple of them will give Echo a disciplinary snap on occasion for trying to take something that isn’t his, they tend to let…
The Quest to Raise the Perfect Dog: Day 9 “Baby Einstein”
One of the things I learned when I was gong to school for my dog training certification was that from the time a puppy is 8 to 16 weeks old they can learn four times as much as an adult dog with only one fourth the effort. I am starting to realize just how true…
The Quest to Raise the Perfect Dog: Day 8: “Becoming a Gracious Guest”
Yesterday was Echo’s first trip to someone else’s house, as well as the most people he has encountered at one time. Since we wanted to stay longer at our family gathering than we would have been able to leave Echo alone, we decided to bring him with us. This was also a good experience for…
The Quest To Raise The Perfect Dog: Day 7 “A Little Bundle of Joy”
As the first week with my new puppy ends I am sitting here with Echo curled up at me feet. He has had a long day, full of fun adventures. This morning we took him to the park for the first time. Although there are mixed feelings and information about whether or not you should…
The Quest to Raise the Perfect Dog: Day 6 “What Fear Period?”
When of the things that I was prepared for, after reading numerous books on raising a puppy, was to encounter the “fear period” during Echo’s eighth or ninth week. This time is usually marked by being more afraid or timid around things that previously caused no alarm. Since we know how important it is to…
