Post Two: Homework

There is less than two weeks away before Trainer Draw.  That is the day that we pick up our Extreme Mutts and the day our 8 week journey begins.

So, I'm doing homework.  I want to get in as much effective training as possible, so this dog can have some great skills and knowledge going into their adopted home.

Below are the topics that I plan to work on with the EM (Extreme Mutt) and document in this blog through pictures and videos.

Training Topics:

Capturing (ex- capturing a sit)
Targeting (ex- hand touch, circle, weave)
Shaping (ex- lying/settling on a mat)

Eye Contact
Polite Walking
Wait
Adding a Cue (verbal or visual)


Stay Tuned!

Post One: Welcome!

Hi!

My name is Michelle and I'm a dog trainer.  I'm a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and I have a bachelors degree in psychology.  I love learning about behavior and training, no matter what the species.  This year I audited a seminar where you train chickens and in college I trained rats, just to give you an idea.

I'm about to embark on a 6 week journey.  I am going to be a dog trainer in a competition called the Extreme Mutt Makeover.  Various dogs are pulled from shelters to be given a second chance at life and the opportunity to shine!  Professional and amateur dog trainers are picked to train one dog for 6 weeks and then compete in various exercises for a chance to win the title of Extreme Mutt!

Since I'm taking a dog from scratch and transforming them into a superhero, I want to document it to let everyone know that with a little bit of love and work, a shelter dog can be a great family pet!  

Please subscribe or bookmark to follow our journey!  

The Trainer Draw is September 1st.  That is when the fun will begin!  Updates will be posted to this blog and the Mutt's very own Facebook page (to be posted later).  

In the meantime, please check out the Extreme Mutt Makeover Facebook page and website for updates and a look at the wonderful mutts that will compete this year.

http://www.facebook.com/ExtremeMuttMakeover

http://hsntextrememuttmakeover.shutterfly.com/