Building Bennett: Day 4

We clipped toenails and trimmed paw hair. That is quite enough for today, thanks!!

About Bennett

Bennett (CanyonView The Lady is a Tramp) is a female Shetland Sheepdog. She was born on July 14, 2013. Her dam is Ch. CanyonView The Gift and her sire is Ch. Chelson Ashwyn Hollywood North. There were 8 puppies in her litter, 5 females and 3 males. Three of her sisters are going to be shown in conformation, her three brothers went to performance homes, and the remaining sister is a much beloved and appropriately spoiled companion. As with all of her littermates, Bennett is pure for sable, though she has the flashiest white markings of the bunch. Her growth curve suggests that she will stand between 15.5" and 16" when full grown.

Bennett was chosen specifically for me by her very knowledgeable breeder as a promising performance prospect! She was described to me with phrases such as "self-appointed spokes-puppy for the litter", "bold and sassy", "fearless", "very attentive, but willing to push her limits", and "a bit of a bossy bitch". To which I said, "Perfect!!"

Goals

My primary goal for Bennett is, of course, to have an amazing adventure that both of us enjoy and to build a bond of trust, fun, and teamwork!

Being a little more specific, I hope to compete with Bennett in Rally-O (WCR and AKC) and Obedience (AKC). Dependent on how her personality develops, I would like to take her in the direction of therapy dog work. I am of the very strong opinion that therapy dogs are born and polished, not made. It is not a job for every dog, and an owner should not aim specifically for therapy dog work. Rather, solid socialization, exposure, confidence, obedience, and trick training is the objective and, should the dog's personality be supportive once mature, therapy dog is something to consider later.

WCR (World Cynosport Rally-O) offers a Puppy level of competition. Dogs can compete as puppies between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Bennett will be 6 months in January, so our short term goal is to be ring ready for a local trial at the end of January 2014!

Training Philosphy

My training is predominantly positive and reward-based. Do corrections happen? Of course, but they are mainly well-timed verbal interruptions used to prevent or stop unwanted behaviors, allowing for redirection and shaping of desired behaviors. Whenever possible, undesired behaviors are prevented through environmental awareness and encouraging preferred behaviors. When training new tasks, I utilize the clicker with a variety of rewards, chosen to fit the task and situation. I encourage play, curiosity, confidence, and independent thinking! Training is a game, and we always strive to have fun!

Building Bennett

Friday, 18 October 2013

Day 4

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