So how does one start training a puppy? How would I go about it? Daddy and I are exploring the pup and Handler journey in bits and bobs when we can get together. Daddy asked me this very question and of course, it had me thinking.
I suggest starting at the beginning when you bring your puppy home. Easy to Google for any information relating to bio-dogs. I would adapt these for myself as human pup from my experiences so far.
Step1. Call your pup to come to you:
How will you call your humanpup to come to you? Is there a name or action that gets their attention?
As pup, I’m easily distracted but I also love running up to Daddy when he whistles for me. ( okay, still working on this but I do hear him the first time). At the moment, I don’t answer to a name like pup or puppy, however, I do respond to Daddy’s voice. There’s a difference. In pupspace, I don’t register words, it’s more the sound that gets my attention.
Step2. Have your pup sit next to you:
Good luck with this one.
I tend to jump up to be close to Daddy’s face. I love seeing his eyes. If he needs me to quieten down, he scritches my head close to his thigh. Resting my head against his leg and feeling his hand on my head, naturally puts me into sit position. I can look up at him when he looks down at me and very important – there is under-the-chin scritches at this point.
Step 3. Whatever you do, do it safely:
Ensure any treats are tummy friendly for your humanpuppy. I have certain dietary restrictions, which Daddy is aware of. So I’ll either only take food from him or when he’s having someone else offer me treats.
A safe environment helps me relax easier into pupspace. You don’t want your human pup hurting themselves while exploring, think sharp edges, small things that can get chewed/swallowed. In pupspace, I don’t register items by their name. Things are texture(feeling) and smell, and taste. And I will explore it because I’m curious.
Step4 and etcetera:
Have fun! Pup will respond with enthusiasm, encourage that connection.
I love hearing Daddy’s delighted laugh when he plays with me as pup. It makes me feel good, and I become more enthusiastic and playful.
This is written from my pup point of view and sounds rather simple. From my side it’s a simple flow that encourages pup to naturally be themselves in the moment.