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This week we went to an indoor training session with a few friends. Mikki was there and one of Ellie's other litter mates, Chancer.
I thought that Ellie coped well with the new environment. I tried to keep the training fun and active - lots of running around. I was mainly only clicking for attention and Ellie was really enjoying herself. We embarked on some hefty tugging play sessions and I was pleased with Ellie's response.
Later this week  we started working on the retrieve. I thought Ellie might have a go at picking up a dumbell but I didn't have one small enough and the one I had was just too heavy. So we tried to start the retrieve using a soft toy (that we don't play with). Ellie was very quickly picking up the toy and putting it in my hand (not very reliably as it was often dropped - but the beginnings were definitely there). We also introduced the target for what will become our sendaway. It was placed a few feet away and I clicked/treated for every touch.
I also introduced Ellie to the target stick and she was clicked for touching the end of the stick. This was built up so that she would follow the stick when it was moving (only a few inches) - click/treat.
Domestically, Ellie's house training is coming on well although she still has to be taken outside at least every half hour to avoid puddles on the carpet. Ellie was put on the lead for the first time - I should have done that before... She wasn't impressed but I just clicked/treated every time she took a step forward. She still tended to pull back if the lead went tight so I just lured her forwards with a titbut - then clicked/treated for forward movement. More work needed, I think!
We went to the vets for Ellie's first vaccinations. She took the injection in her stride. Ellie still hides under the chair when I get my coat on - I'm looking forward to the vaccinations being completed so that I can show Ellie an exciting and fun world outside the front door (that doesn't necessarily involve the car)!
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