PUPPY TRICKS or just the usual?

[BOBS DAD]

I am enrolling Bob in some Dog Obedience classes next month. The lady who runs the class asked me if Bob "was smart". I didn't really know what to say. I really only ever owned one other "house dog" - Ginger and compared to her, he's relatively smart. Ginger housebroke (completely) and was less hyper than Bob early on, but Bob takes to tricks and complex tasks (like escaping from his latched crate from the inside) easier. So you tell me... is Bob smart?

He's 15 weeks old and here's what he does (besides causing trouble and occasionally wreaking havoc around the house). He can sit, laydown, stand, give me paw... then the other one. We are working on Dead Dog... where he lays down and I say, "DEAD DOG" and he drops his chin and face to the floor and lays there motionless. He is getting pretty good at it. Only he won't do it on a command alone. I get him to lay and then I say the command, but I need to guide him with my hand and I can feel him dropping right down - so I'm sure he knows what I want. I can hold his head gently (just with a touch) for almost 10-20 seconds and he won't even try to move. Then I say GOOD DOG and he pops up and looks for his treat. Oh, yeah, he also fetches - he is pretty good with a ball, but his real gig is a stick. He will fetch a stick forever - no matter how big the stick is either. If he can carry it, he will retrieve it. It is very funny because sometimes he'll play fetch with a near branch!!!

[catnapper]

That was dumb of her to ask if he's smart! All dogs are smart in their own way. Some are smart for following your direction. Yet others are smart for figuring out things on their own. There are as many ways for a dog to be smart just as there is for a human!

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

In my opinion, every dog is smart. Some breeds are stubborn and difficult to train because they just don't have that "willing to please" attitude like Golden Retrievers LOL! Bob sounds like a very smart puppy! He knows so much and he's only 15 weeks old! I am going to enroll Bailey in puppy classes, then basic obedience etc. I want to get him his Canine Good Neighbor (AKA Canine Good Citizen in th USA).

Good luck with Bob! He sure sounds like a smart little pooch!

[BOBS DAD]

YES, Bob is smart - as are all dogs. BUT YOU NOW... you Mrs Dogtrainer Person, you are D-U-M-B, Dumb as a Doornail! Just kidding, I know what you are saying. I guess she just meant like, "is Bob unusually intelligent"?

But thanks for the input. Bob is reading this now and he says to thank you too!!!

[Dixieland Dancer]

Just curious... where is Bob going for obedience training?

[BOBS DAD]

Hi Dixieland,

How's Dixie by the way. Any new word on the lump in her mouth or her white blood cell count???

Just a local PetCo who offers classes taught by an associate trainer. 6 weeks starting next month. Any suggestions what to look for?

[MissysMommy]

I would say he's a puppy genius!!!!

[dab_20]

All dogs are smart. That was a dumb question. LOL... Bob sounds really smart!! Sam is 7 months old and he doesn't know any commands at all! *my fault*

[Dixieland Dancer]

Hi Dixieland,

How's Dixie by the way. Any new word on the lump in her mouth or her white blood cell count???

Just a local PetCo who offers classes taught by an associate trainer. 6 weeks starting next month. Any suggestions what to look for?

Thanks for asking but we won't have any update on Dixie until next week. She has another blood test done on Monday.

Local PetCo stores are ok if you are lucky enough to end up with a good trainer. As to what to look for.... someone who uses positive training methods and no harsh corrections such as pops using a choke chain. I personally find clicker training the best method. BTW.... Bob just keeps on getting cuter everytime I see a new picture of him!