Welcome Trapper! Trapper is a sweet natured but timid Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier mix. He is here for 5 days of supplemental obedience training. His mom has already taught him some skills but they thought he could learn some new skills while they went on a trip.
Yesterday we brushed up on his Heel and after a little temper tantrum he Heeled nicely. His Autosit is almost there and will get more reliable as the week moves forward. He has retained his Implied Stay well and his Come command is good, I can tell, but he is still a little shy of me so he needs some gentle coaxing to come as close as he is supposed to.
Soft, gentle, sincere praise is what this guys works for. He loves a quiet pat without eye contact. Praise which asks for nothing in return.
We started Down today and he struggles with it and locks his elbows but with help (a firm but not heavy handed push with constant pressure on his shoulders) he does it. He will definitely be a dog who is slowly weened off the help but I know he will get there.
Trapper has made some friends here. Ace is determined to be his friend even though he comes on a little strong for Trapper's liking. He prefers Kylie's company because she doesn't really care about him. Ted just lays there so they neither like or dislike each other.
I am looking forward to watching Trapper's progress. For now he is snoozing on his bed.