This makes me feel SO MUCH BETTER! I've been trying to not stress or compare myself to others but it's been hard. I got a truly wonderful 18 month old lab from a breeder (long story but he'd had training on basics) about a month ago. We started very short public access training trips to continue his socializing and he's been wonderful. Basically, he's amazing and I adore him and he's doing great. But I've felt so guilty for not getting an 8 week old. Feeling like I'm being unfair to Logan for starting him out later, like it won't work because I didn't get him at 8 weeks, etc. But this is so, so helpful to know. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this. I have a 6 month old puppy who I want to train to be a service dog for my Deaf boyfriend. We've done a great job training her at home. She's just lovely, but when we go out in public she get's very distracted. At first I understood that she gets distracted (I mean she is just a baby), but I did expect her to learn quick and be able to be in public just after a few training sessions. When this didn't happen I got discouraged and started to look for professional help. Some of them guarantee that my puppy will be able to have public access in 4 weeks... Even if that's possible, I now realize that that is like expecting a 5 year old to attend graduate school. It would be way too fast for her. Thank you. This video gives me a peace of mind that we are raising her at the right pace.
Thank you Kate so much for doing this I have been working with Tilly but I have had some setbacks to she is 6 months old she's just been spayed but she knows sit and down and drop it she does really good with that she's really smart so thank you for doing this it makes me feel a lot better I appreciate all of the help AIDS you've given to me to help get her where she needs to be I hope things get better for you and your personal life to sending you a hug
This is very helpful, thank you. I have a nearly 5 month old purebred chihuahua. She is about 3.5 pounds. I’ve been getting help from a retired professional dog trainer (she and her adult daughter both have chihuahua service dogs from the same breeder as my Kaya). She strongly recommended that Kaya go everywhere with me. Also that I need to protect her since she is so small. Other dogs might think she was a tasty snack, and she might set off their prey drive. People might not see her and could easily injure her too. So Kaya does go everywhere with me, and her public social skills are outstanding. She’s either in her sling (with a visible tag that says “service dog in training”) or in her car carrier. This past week, I was in the hospital for a procedure under general anesthesia. My friend who drove me stayed with her in the waiting room. She was mostly in her carrier, and nobody would even know it if they weren’t told. My friend did put her in the sling to go to the bathroom, and she was absolutely perfect. At home, oh hell yeah she’s a puppy. VERY smart. I’ve been feeling guilty that we’ve done very little formal training yet. The trainer who is helping me said not to even worry about tasks until she’s a year old. I thought she must be wrong. Thank you for explaining why she’s right. Kaya quickly figured out how to play fetch, and we do that everyday. It’s a game she loves, and I can see how that can eventually be shaped into a task. She loves to play tug of war too, and I’ve been praising her for it, and using the word “pull” when she does it, on the advice of the trainer. That will help with opening and closing some doors, etc, I think. Anyway, my point is that I appreciate this video so much. It really helps to relieve a lot of worry and anxiety. It helps so much to have this shift in perspective.
I have never thought of any of my dogs as grown up until they are at least two ( Service or Household pets) and I have always been a stickler for training all of my dogs. I was raised with the belief that a well trained dog is a safer dog and a happier dog. My parents were breeders when I was young. When I got my first dog out on my own, I got a Great Dane. And that really taught me that a 200lb dog can still be a puppy at a year and a half! Looking forward to this journey of training my own Service Dog and really hope you contact me for your next program online Thank you ❣️
i cried i needed this so bad, Mel's slow progress this last year, has been my biggest struggle(other than my disability). I'm so incredibly blessed and proud of her, to see her from tiny shoelace chewer, to now try and just return the ball when I throw it(lol). All jokes aside she really is a 10-year-old and I see that full picture now. Thank you Kate -k & mel
Couldn't Agree with you more Kate. Sometimes it makes much more sense to "Slow Down in order to Speed Up". As a former Showjumping Professional on an International level I found the study you mentioned both fascinating and correct. Infact we don't start our own horses over serious jumps until at least the age of Six. Our interest, our objective, and our concerns are that they be a Sane, SOUND, Rideable and Interested individual as an 8yr Old and capable of, and pointed to a successful competitive long term career. There are lots of 2yr Olds that look like "World Beaters" out in the Paddock and are done and gone out of the Sport at 4 or 5 due to a physical or mental unsoundness or Both and it's a shame everytime. Cheers, and Keep Up the Good Work ~
I wanted a puppy to build a strong relationship and connection.thinking this would help the trap ung through being able to communicate easily. Tasks and tricks take no time at all to teach!
Thank you so much for this important information. I am getting my first golden retriever puppy in two weeks. He will be my first multi purpose service dogs.
I spend the first year basically (or more depending on dog) hanging out. Working on relationship. Gradually start building on various foundations. When you're solid on that the behaviours/tasks are taught in minutes. I've also had dogs who's been ready to compete before 6 months old but where lacking foundations and the "Burnt out star student" showed through in training as frustration, stress and confusion.
My daughter was distressed at age 5 because she couldn't keep up with her kindergarten class. I took her home to homeschool and restarted learning at age 7. Within a year, she could read on a par with those who stayed in kindergarten,.,
The only thing I think is "behind" at two years is she will bark a singular time at people who, for lack of a better visual, are tweaking on/off meth. She doesn't bark at all in public. Unless she comes across someone who is "unbalanced"/hella twitchy. One bark. Over it.
Hi. This was a great video. I couldn't agree with you more on the points you are trying to bring home. It was such an informative video and I really enjoyed watching it.
I really needed this video. I have a 2.5 year old service dog who still is working on her heel work and is having a hard time with reactivity and focusing in a chaotic college environment. I’ve been beating myself up about the fact that my dog doesnt have a perfect tight heel in every situation and she is 2.5. I have this idea she is supposed to be perfect at 2 because that’s how programs have it. But I know I’m wrong. I’m just beating myself up
Hi. This is an older post, but I’m running out of ideas on what to do. My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Kylo, has been in training for 1 year. He passed his AKC STAR puppy test & 7 out of 10 on his CGC test. We’re having ALOT of trouble with focus. Mainly around other dogs. He is not aggressive in any way, but he loves people and other dogs. I can usually walk through large crowds with him and though he is a bit distracted with the surroundings, he will stop and sit when I stop, he does tend to look over at me, but once there is another dog around, I’m chopped liver. In class, after about 10 min, he will calm down somewhat, but his focus is primarily the other pups. He is not neutered and I’m unsure if I want to go that route, but even so, I won’t have it done until he is at least 2 years old. Do you think that’s the problem? Our trainer keeps bringing it up, but Kylo knows all of his commands, even around other dogs and as hard as it is to stay calm, he will sit, stay, lay down & come beautifully. I just need to get him to focus and sit still when the instructor comes to pet him. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!
Hi there! My SD has Just Barely turned 2 years old. This medium Labradoodle is So Amazing at what he knows, in spite of me being Very ill and having repeated hospitalizations that were Never anticipated when I got him (my disabilities have interrupted his training Repeatedly). He understands tasks and is Generally well behaved in public, but wants to socialize and play with other dogs when we're in public that when we see another (legit) team, he Freaks out if he can't play while he's working. If he doesn't see another dog/team in the store, he's All business and So well mannered. I've been training with him on socialization and learning to ignore other dogs in public, but it's not going as fast as I thought it would. My question is this... am I expecting him to do too much at 2 years old when it comes to ignoring other dogs in public? Should I Stop taking him out in public and strictly focus on his being calm around other dogs? Or Should I keep working him in public (so he doesn't forget what he already knows) While we are working on this Particular issue? His heeling skills are generally Amazing and getting better every day. But, he just gets So Easily distracted by other dogs. Is there such a thing as being To Well Socialized with other dogs? His excitement is just SO over the top with each one he sees. I'm just Really concerned about inadvertently causing leash reactivity if I do this "wrong". Other dogs seem to be the only "questionable problem" as far as distractions go. Thanks Kate!
I agree with all you are say. My problem is the opposite to Leo’s ‘good ‘ social training! My 9 mth old Labradoodle is brilliant at everything except for her bad social skills with strange people. I was not able to complete her socialisation before she was 16 weeks because I was very sick and unable to get her out enough. She is ok with dogs but still nervous of people, occasionally even barking at them when we train in public. She won’t take a treat from a stranger or let him or her pat her. I am following all your instructions about focusing around distractions and gradually increasing the distance with success, however she is still so nervous and skittish. Do you think there is any hope for her to socialise with people or is it too late. Help!!! I don’t want to give up as my health is getting worse and she is such a brilliant and helpful medical alert and assistance dog apart from this serious social issue.
This makes me feel SO MUCH BETTER!
I've been trying to not stress or compare myself to others but it's been hard. I got a truly wonderful 18 month old lab from a breeder (long story but he'd had training on basics) about a month ago. We started very short public access training trips to continue his socializing and he's been wonderful. Basically, he's amazing and I adore him and he's doing great. But I've felt so guilty for not getting an 8 week old. Feeling like I'm being unfair to Logan for starting him out later, like it won't work because I didn't get him at 8 weeks, etc.
But this is so, so helpful to know. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this. I have a 6 month old puppy who I want to train to be a service dog for my Deaf boyfriend. We've done a great job training her at home. She's just lovely, but when we go out in public she get's very distracted. At first I understood that she gets distracted (I mean she is just a baby), but I did expect her to learn quick and be able to be in public just after a few training sessions. When this didn't happen I got discouraged and started to look for professional help. Some of them guarantee that my puppy will be able to have public access in 4 weeks... Even if that's possible, I now realize that that is like expecting a 5 year old to attend graduate school. It would be way too fast for her. Thank you. This video gives me a peace of mind that we are raising her at the right pace.
Thank you Kate so much for doing this I have been working with Tilly but I have had some setbacks to she is 6 months old she's just been spayed but she knows sit and down and drop it she does really good with that she's really smart so thank you for doing this it makes me feel a lot better I appreciate all of the help AIDS you've given to me to help get her where she needs to be I hope things get better for you and your personal life to sending you a hug
This is very helpful, thank you. I have a nearly 5 month old purebred chihuahua. She is about 3.5 pounds. I’ve been getting help from a retired professional dog trainer (she and her adult daughter both have chihuahua service dogs from the same breeder as my Kaya). She strongly recommended that Kaya go everywhere with me. Also that I need to protect her since she is so small. Other dogs might think she was a tasty snack, and she might set off their prey drive. People might not see her and could easily injure her too. So Kaya does go everywhere with me, and her public social skills are outstanding. She’s either in her sling (with a visible tag that says “service dog in training”) or in her car carrier. This past week, I was in the hospital for a procedure under general anesthesia. My friend who drove me stayed with her in the waiting room. She was mostly in her carrier, and nobody would even know it if they weren’t told. My friend did put her in the sling to go to the bathroom, and she was absolutely perfect. At home, oh hell yeah she’s a puppy. VERY smart. I’ve been feeling guilty that we’ve done very little formal training yet. The trainer who is helping me said not to even worry about tasks until she’s a year old. I thought she must be wrong. Thank you for explaining why she’s right. Kaya quickly figured out how to play fetch, and we do that everyday. It’s a game she loves, and I can see how that can eventually be shaped into a task. She loves to play tug of war too, and I’ve been praising her for it, and using the word “pull” when she does it, on the advice of the trainer. That will help with opening and closing some doors, etc, I think.
Anyway, my point is that I appreciate this video so much. It really helps to relieve a lot of worry and anxiety. It helps so much to have this shift in perspective.
I have never thought of any of my dogs as grown up until they are at least two ( Service or Household pets) and I have always been a stickler for training all of my dogs. I was raised with the belief that a well trained dog is a safer dog and a happier dog. My parents were breeders when I was young.
When I got my first dog out on my own, I got a Great Dane. And that really taught me that a 200lb dog can still be a puppy at a year and a half!
Looking forward to this journey of training my own Service Dog and really hope you contact me for your next program online
Thank you ❣️
Omg new videos yesh! I've been patiently waiting. :P
i cried i needed this so bad, Mel's slow progress this last year, has been my biggest struggle(other than my disability). I'm so incredibly blessed and proud of her, to see her from tiny shoelace chewer, to now try and just return the ball when I throw it(lol). All jokes aside she really is a 10-year-old and I see that full picture now.
Thank you Kate
-k & mel
Couldn't Agree with you more Kate. Sometimes it makes much more sense to "Slow Down in order to Speed Up". As a former Showjumping Professional on an International level I found the study you mentioned both fascinating and correct. Infact we don't start our own horses over serious jumps until at least the age of Six. Our interest, our objective, and our concerns are that they be a Sane, SOUND, Rideable and Interested individual as an 8yr Old and capable of, and pointed to a successful competitive long term career. There are lots of 2yr Olds that look like "World Beaters" out in the Paddock and are done and gone out of the Sport at 4 or 5 due to a physical or mental unsoundness or Both and it's a shame everytime. Cheers, and Keep Up the Good Work ~
I wanted a puppy to build a strong relationship and connection.thinking this would help the trap ung through being able to communicate easily. Tasks and tricks take no time at all to teach!
Thank you so much for this important information. I am getting my first golden retriever puppy in two weeks. He will be my first multi purpose service dogs.
I spend the first year basically (or more depending on dog) hanging out. Working on relationship. Gradually start building on various foundations. When you're solid on that the behaviours/tasks are taught in minutes. I've also had dogs who's been ready to compete before 6 months old but where lacking foundations and the "Burnt out star student" showed through in training as frustration, stress and confusion.
That was excellent, I sooooo needed that. Thank you Kate!
My daughter was distressed at age 5 because she couldn't keep up with her kindergarten class. I took her home to homeschool and restarted learning at age 7. Within a year, she could read on a par with those who stayed in kindergarten,.,
The only thing I think is "behind" at two years is she will bark a singular time at people who, for lack of a better visual, are tweaking on/off meth.
She doesn't bark at all in public. Unless she comes across someone who is "unbalanced"/hella twitchy. One bark. Over it.
Hi. This was a great video. I couldn't agree with you more on the points you are trying to bring home. It was such an informative video and I really enjoyed watching it.
I really needed this video. I have a 2.5 year old service dog who still is working on her heel work and is having a hard time with reactivity and focusing in a chaotic college environment. I’ve been beating myself up about the fact that my dog doesnt have a perfect tight heel in every situation and she is 2.5. I have this idea she is supposed to be perfect at 2 because that’s how programs have it. But I know I’m wrong. I’m just beating myself up
Hi. This is an older post, but I’m running out of ideas on what to do. My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Kylo, has been in training for 1 year. He passed his AKC STAR puppy test & 7 out of 10 on his CGC test. We’re having ALOT of trouble with focus. Mainly around other dogs. He is not aggressive in any way, but he loves people and other dogs. I can usually walk through large crowds with him and though he is a bit distracted with the surroundings, he will stop and sit when I stop, he does tend to look over at me, but once there is another dog around, I’m chopped liver. In class, after about 10 min, he will calm down somewhat, but his focus is primarily the other pups. He is not neutered and I’m unsure if I want to go that route, but even so, I won’t have it done until he is at least 2 years old. Do you think that’s the problem? Our trainer keeps bringing it up, but Kylo knows all of his commands, even around other dogs and as hard as it is to stay calm, he will sit, stay, lay down & come beautifully. I just need to get him to focus and sit still when the instructor comes to pet him. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!
Hi there!
My SD has Just Barely turned 2 years old.
This medium Labradoodle is So Amazing at what he knows, in spite of me being Very ill and having repeated hospitalizations that were Never anticipated when I got him (my disabilities have interrupted his training Repeatedly).
He understands tasks and is Generally well behaved in public, but wants to socialize and play with other dogs when we're in public that when we see another (legit) team, he Freaks out if he can't play while he's working.
If he doesn't see another dog/team in the store, he's All business and So well mannered.
I've been training with him on socialization and learning to ignore other dogs in public, but it's not going as fast as I thought it would.
My question is this... am I expecting him to do too much at 2 years old when it comes to ignoring other dogs in public?
Should I Stop taking him out in public and strictly focus on his being calm around other dogs?
Or
Should I keep working him in public (so he doesn't forget what he already knows) While we are working on this Particular issue?
His heeling skills are generally Amazing and getting better every day. But, he just gets So Easily distracted by other dogs.
Is there such a thing as being To Well Socialized with other dogs? His excitement is just SO over the top with each one he sees.
I'm just Really concerned about inadvertently causing leash reactivity if I do this "wrong".
Other dogs seem to be the only "questionable problem" as far as distractions go.
Thanks Kate!
I agree with all you are say. My problem is the opposite to Leo’s ‘good ‘ social training! My 9 mth old Labradoodle is brilliant at everything except for her bad social skills with strange people. I was not able to complete her socialisation before she was 16 weeks because I was very sick and unable to get her out enough. She is ok with dogs but still nervous of people, occasionally even barking at them when we train in public. She won’t take a treat from a stranger or let him or her pat her. I am following all your instructions about focusing around distractions and gradually increasing the distance with success, however she is still so nervous and skittish. Do you think there is any hope for her to socialise with people or is it too late. Help!!! I don’t want to give up as my health is getting worse and she is such a brilliant and helpful medical alert and assistance dog apart from this serious social issue.
Julia K my dog was the same way but it's always possible! I'm working with my dog a lot
Thank you for your encouragement. I’m not giving up! It helps me to know of others who have had similar experiences and have made it through!