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7-Week Old Bliss Puppies: Building Recall with Confidence
At 7 weeks, Bliss’ puppies are already learning a reliable recall with classical conditioning. I use “PUP PUP PUPPIES!” as their cue, immediately rewarding them with treats, toys, or praise when they run to me. It’s all about pairing the cue with positive outcomes.
This simple process lays the groundwork for a lifelong recall response. At the same time, I’m shaping “manding,” where the pups sit to ask for attention or rewards. By reinforcing this polite behavior, they’ll naturally offer it instead of jumping or whining as they mature. It’s a little crazy in this clip because I was holding my phone to record. Normally, rewarding 8 dogs takes 2 hands. 🙂
Starting these habits early sets a strong foundation for communication and good manners. The goal? Confident, connected dogs who love to work with their humans. Practical, effective, and easy to replicate, making it easy for their new families to continue the training.
How do you like to start recall training?
@bernerlabreclectus here’s your cuteness clip!
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4 Replies
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OMD, those lucky lucky lucky future pet parents of your puppies!
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Sweet of you to say, Virginia, thank you! I am often feeling like I should do more… but I do have a day job, so… I do what I can. I have to remind myself to CUDDLE THEM, because I’m awfully project-minded. So now, we end our evenings with 1-1 cuddles and combing every puppy.
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This is AMAZING!!
Sooooooo, puppies and dogs do come with pre-installed instructions and behaviors!? ????
These pups do, “know better”! ????
@virginiad said it best, these babies future owners are lucky!
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OMD!!! That is BEAUTIFUL!!! How wonderful! I’m in awe of you and your wonderful, smart big girls and babies!!!
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