Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Information on Sun Treader Puppy Training

Sun Treader Puppy Training will now be posting all news and information at this blog instead of at the completely ignored webpage.

Who is this person? Erika Tracy has raised a number of dogs, including a SAR dog who worked for several years in the field before developing cancer. In addition to the scentwork required for SAR (tracking, trailing, and air scent), Erika's dogs have titled in obedience, rally, and herding. She trained with Mary Adelman for about five years, and now learns new tricks and dog facts at the German Shepherd Dog Club of Atlanta and Sugre Herding. Also, she reads a lot.

 What methods will we use? Sun Treader uses primarily a lure-label-reward system to gain the cooperation of the dog. All training is done by individual lesson, somewhat in the manner of piano lessons, for one dog and all humans involved in the household. Canine students between the ages of seven weeks and five months are preferred, for the same reason that teachers of humans would rather teach reading in kindergarten rather than college: it's best to catch them while they're still forming opinions about how the world works. Caught behaviors, or shaping, will also be explored. Required equipment will be a buckle collar, a long dragline (rope with a snap on it is fine), and a leash of reasonable length for the handler. Handlers of any age are welcome.  

What will my puppy be learning? Sun Treader has a list of basic concepts which can be built into good manners, useful behaviors, working abilities, or titles in obedience, tracking, or agility. Your puppy will learn to come when called, walk on a leash, and sit; he will also learn to go to a target, sniff out your belongings, and step onto or over obstacles. The Introductions To Concepts course takes about six lessons. Individual lessons to work on coming when called or walking on leash are also available.  

Where do I find you? I'm in Decatur, GA. Email ms.erika.tracy@gmail.com or call 678-642-9303.