I started the pups off with the command "sit", which they mastered incredibly fast. They are now expected to sit and stay before they get their treat. They have been taught the "off" command which simply means "don't touch". They are not allowed to take their training treats without the command "take it". This helps them to understand that it is not ok to pick up food they might see on the floor of a store, I remember when River was a puppy and I was doing some training with her in Costco. There was a man there who tried to slip her a piece of pizza and because River wasn't given the "take it" command the pizza fell on the floor. (I was so proud of her that day) Seriously, people don't always understand how wrong it is to bother, tease, or offer a working dog something. Thanks to the command "take it" River had learned that nothing is eaten without that command.
Both puppies are starting to work on the "wait" command. This is used when their food dish is put down. They "wait", and are told "Off", and when they hear the "take it" command they are free to eat. Both are doing so well.
I will continue to build on the commands they are learning and am taking baby steps as I introduce the new words to them. I do 3, 15 minute sessions of training with each puppy daily at this time. 2 of the sessions are with the puppies together.
Here they are practising the "off" command. They no longer jump up at the food and just wait until they hear "take it" and then they gently take the food from me.
Jedi is so alert during her training and uses incredible eye contact. She listens very well and waits for me to tell her when she can "take it".
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