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June 12, 2014

Puppy See. Puppy Do.

As a puppy Eko had a lot of one on one time with me to practice obedience. Penny hasn’t been afforded nearly as much solo instruction, but in many respects she’s picked up commands quicker than Eko did because she can look to him for cues. “Sit”
As a puppy Eko had a lot of one on one time with me to practice obedience. Penny hasn’t been afforded nearly as much solo instruction, but in many respects she’s picked up commands quicker than Eko did because she can look to him for cues. Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

“Sit” is one of the easiest commands to teach, but it was especially easy with Penny because she followed Eko’s lead

“Stay” is one of the commands Eko had the most trouble with as a puppy. Penny’s had some trouble with it as well, but she has worked out that when Eko doesn’t move, neither should she. This has really expedited her training for this command. It’s also super fun when they release together.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

Penny of course was unfamiliar with the break command, but as soon as Eko took off so did she

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

“I have no idea what I’m doing but this is fun!”

While in many aspects of Penny’s obedience training Eko’s presence has been helpful, other times it can be a hindrance.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

Penny knows the “down” command but as soon as she hears my “yes!” positive reinforcement cue she breaks for the treat. I can tell she’s concerned Eko will steal her prize

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

“Me, steal a treat? Never..”

I’ve found that training Penny alongside Eko can be problematic for Eko as well. He listens to cues immediately but may not hear my positive reinforcement until a few seconds delayed when Penny executes the command as well. I don’t want to dilute Eko’s learning, so I need to get Penny up to speed asap.

Additionally, Penny is just a tiny bit of a treat hog. The phrase “take the food right out of my mouth” comes to mind. And not just figuratively.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

“I saw you get a treat! Give it to me!”Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, marking our territory, chicago, adventure, training

“I think I see it! Will, get me a flashlight.”

There’s so much Penny can learn from Eko but it’s clear she needs individual attention as well. I will have to carve out time for Penny at home, but I also signed up for a weekly puppy training class that starts on Monday. It should provide an opportunity for both obedience training and socialization. And as long as there are a few treats involved, I’m sure Eko will be happy to help his little sister with her homework.

For those with multiple pups, how do you handle obedience training at home?

Comments for Puppy See. Puppy Do.

  1. If it works in all ways that Penny will learn from Eko, you really hit the Jackpot. I hope it works! We had the idea once that Easy could learn from an older dog, but the result was more self-defeating: both did what they want :o)

  2. I swear the second dog is always easier!

  3. raisingdaisy says:

    I love those flying ears! And it really makes us laugh the way Penny sticks her whole head in Eko’s mouth LOL! Sounds like Eko is unknowingly helping you teach Penny her manners, but the class you’ve enrolled in sounds like a great idea as the next step. We had considered getting a second pup, but decided it just didn’t fit in with our lives right now.(Besides, our crazy little Daisy probably would have corrupted the new little one anyway! 😉 ) We’re enjoying the experience through you!

  4. meANXIETYme says:

    We had hoped that our older dog would teach the younger dog what to do and how to act, but it never worked out that way. However, we’re talking about an 18-month-old (stray) pup, so she was beyond that initial important learning period.
    Meanwhile, the pictures of Penny in the lion’s mouth are AWESOME. 🙂

  5. Alisa says:

    Our new pup Roo arrived yesterday and I am already seeing the positives and negatives of training both dogs at once. Luckily Samson is patient around her and obedient to the cues, so she also kind of follows along. I’ve yet to really work with her one on one with obedience, mostly just house rules and socialization. So much to do in so little time, I’m sure you feel the same way! My strategy will be to work them both individually until she is pretty solid on even one command amd then practice together. I’ll be looking here for any advice 🙂 I posted some photos of Roo on my blog if you want to see her. Eko and Penny look like they are having a great time learning together and I’m also loling about her head in his mouth.

  6. Emmadog says:

    Bailie started with puppy kindergarten, then obedience 1 and 2. Time for Mom and Bailie to work together was good. At home, sometimes Katie and I went outside and Mom worked with Bailie alone, sometimes all three of us worked together in unison. Bailie also has had solo field trips to pet stores and other places to practice things on her own. Love that shot of Penny with her head in Eko’s mouth! That would not happen at our house, Katie and I are not allowing that no matter how cute Bailie was.

  7. Carrie Ord says:

    Obedience training? What’s that?

  8. Aud says:

    OMG, all the pictures of both of them just over the top, they are soooooooo cute together, and yes, 5 stars to Eko, he’s so patient, tolerant and good temper. Penny is so adorable, just can’t picture her growing into Eko’s size eventually.

  9. Victoria says:

    Oh My – Eko is so good w/his little sister – patiently waiting for her to find a treat in his mouth – you need to get him a big treat as a thank you

  10. Marcela says:

    The pictures of your furry kids are cute, funny, and adorable:-) To answer your question: I start by putting Bella, our foster failure, on a sit/stay position while she watches Alex get some training. Once finished with Alex, I train Bella while Alex takes a break watching us work. Why do I do this? It teaches them self-control.

  11. Puppy class is a great idea. Good one on one time with dad.

  12. Oh my goodness I remember THOSE days! With two very head strong Samoyed brothers! “Handle” isn’t quite the word I would use….chaos, yes 🙂 But it worked itself out and I loved having them both. Puppy class will help a ton and Eko will do fine too, don’t overthink it!

  13. That is so cute. Eko is wonderful with his little sister despite the fact she is a bit cheeky when it comes to the treats!!

    Whee are sure Penny will pick up things in no time with Eko to show her the ropes!

    Nacho, Noah, Buddy & Basil
    xxxx

  14. pawedblog says:

    Oh my gosh! Those last phots are just so funny… on fact I love them all. I think you are doing great with her training, and Eko is too 😉
    Hugs, Carrie and pups x

  15. harrispen says:

    Penny looks like she is performing a tonsilectomy on Eko!

  16. OMD Penny, you crack us up! You are very lucky you have such a patient and understanding older brother, if I (Sammy) had tried to retrieve a treat out of Wally’s mouth as a pup he would’ve taken me down!
    Have a super weekend,
    Wally & Sammy

  17. Oh my Penny does love her treats 🙂

  18. It was a challenge for us too when we got Maggie. She learned a LOT from Jack, but we had the same issue around the timing. I tended to work with the separately once Maggie got the hang of it. Luckily Jack, like Eko was very patient.

  19. scarlybobs says:

    I love the pics of your pups bounding toward you 😀

    We use this method of training both dogs at once. Teaching one dog to settle whilst you work with the other is *really* helpful 😉

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRrBH_beX8

    We also do lots of training sessions with just one dog in the room, especially if we’re working on a new trick 🙂

  20. […] Photo of Penny (L) and Eko courtesy of Marking Our Territory […]

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