Dale is getting a new puppy in June. He is driving cross-country from California to Vermont to pick her up. Her name will be Starr. Or Lacie. Dale is in love.
In the meantime, for the past 4 months, Dale and I have been meeting twice a week and Dale has been re-teaching Lily. Beginning at Level 1 of Sue's new book.
Dale wants to be a Freedom Dogs trainer with Starr/Lacie. And his time training with Lily and me has been multi-purposed. To give Lily much needed experience working for someone other than me. To give Dale the Levels foundation for training his new pup when she arrives. It has and continues to be a wonderful experience for all of us.
Now as April nears, our training is entering a new phase. Level 2. Taught by Dale and completed by June.
Dale attended an 8-week Basics course taught by a Freedom Dogs trainer and open to the public. He took turns working other dogs at each of the classes. Then, 4 months training with Lily following my training plan. Show up for the class and practice with the dog.
Two weeks ago, though, I gave Dale a long-term assignment that begins today. Since he does not have the day to day responsibility of training a 24/7 dog, today he is beginning to take responsibility for the training session. Teaching two new Level 2 behaviors on his own.....following Steps, just like all the other trainers in Freedom Dogs.
Yes, these are behaviors that Lily knows. But Dale will re-teach. He will divide each behavior into small steps. Determine his own training criteria. And follow through from beginning through completion. Step by little step.
Next week we will add a third new behavior.
Fit the planning and executing of training into real life demands. Start getting ready for his very own Starr/Lacie.
Adding to the anticipation of a June puppy was the unexpected arrival of Bella, Dale's son's new puppy.
Bella
Dale and Kathi "babysat" Bella over the weekend and Dale got his first taste of what will soon be in store for him. What a wonderful introduction to the reality of puppy parenting.
All the more reason to begin making the transition, then, from Student to Trainer. To begin taking the reins and responsibility of seeing needs, determining criteria, training from "the source". Making Steps his own.
Watching Bella. Training Lily. Learning all he can to be truly ready in June to hit the ground running with his Starr. His Lacie. With the very best foundation we can give him.
And me?
Well, today I am looking forward to just showing up at the mentoring session and bringing my dog.
And letting Dale tell me what he has planned.
