
Week of
June 2, 2020
10 weeks old
Daisy joined the 1-on-1 Service Dog Training Team on Tuesday, June 2nd.
She was born on Saturday, March 28th. in Atascadero, California. On Monday, June 1st, Daisy was "fixed" and was full of energy moving about the same day. It's amazing what a clean, quick procedure she experienced.
We started our hand feeding and hand watering the first day. Within a few days, Daisy would go to the kitchen sink when thirsty. Each time we draw fresh water so she can hear the sound and know the place. Smart puppy!
We have also started having Daisy experience as many sounds as possible, always with her in our arms or her sitting with us with our hand on her. This way she feels secure with our touch even though the noise might be loud.
One of many goals is to have Daisy experience everything possible to have her desensitized to distractions.

Week of
June 2, 2020
Also on the first day, we started using terms that Daisy will need throughout her life. "Yes" is associated with all positive behaviors she displays.
Daisy has learned to "Sit" on command. We use the word "command" as this is the standard term throughout the industry. Daisy not only has learned the word sit, she has also learned the hand signal. (HAND SIGNALS link here for the near future)
Other terms we has started using; settle, come, daddy, mommy, Mackenzie, Madison, Alec, thirsty, hungry, good, pull and jump.
The most challenging right now is "wait", a concept quite difficult for a 10 week old puppy. However, Daisy is starting to grasp the sequence of walk down the side of the house, turn, sit and then wait. She is up to three seconds. That's huge, it's like 15 minutes in human time.

Week of
June 8, 2020
11 weeks old
Daisy has already associated natural behaviors with positive reinforcement. She automatically lays and sleeps right in front of me while I'm working on the computer. She is going the to door when needing to do her business, but more importantly, she is starting to associate the dog doorbell with going out. We push the button with her but a few times she has put her nose right in front. It won's be long before she activates the bell on her own.
Finally for this week, it is important that all humans us the correct sequence of words when reinforcing positive behaviors, asking questions or giving commands.
"Yes! Daisy, good job."
"Daisy, do you need to go out?"
"Daisy, such a good girl!"
"Daisy, I'll be right back."
What about potential negative behaviors? We ignore 99% at this stage. Only if there is a danger involved do we use "Daisy, NO!" In place, we redirect her attention to something positive.