Hello....my name is Tara Apking and I am proud to admit I am Rhonda's baby sister and have always worked closely with Rhonda, her dogs and puppies. My love for the German Shepherd breed has been passed down from my grandfather and big sister.
It is very important to start teaching these little ones right after they leave the litter so they get acclimated to new things. We take for granted that when we bring our new member of the family home they are familiar with "our" environment. Reality is....they are not. It is crucial to have patience and consistancy in training these little ones. Remember they are not only leaving momma and litter mates, but entering into a world of sights, sounds and smells that are not gradual but all at once. With the right attitude and care the adjustment can be the most pleasurable experience for them (and you).
I have brought many of Rhonda's pups into my home to train prior to them going to their new families and I know I have found my niche.....and it's training puppies. I absolutely love spending the time it takes to teach them. Some people think I'm crazy because it is very time consuming and keeps you hopping but I gotta say..."I guess I'm crazy"! My greatest joy and talent is teaching the babies. Rhonda says I am "magic" with the puppies.
With all that said we are now formally offering transitional puppy training for your new puppy.
Me with Gypsy
While the pups are in my home, the following things are typically what they are taught while with me:
1. Potty training intro. with a bell Teaching the puppy the proper place to eliminate on command, and teaching them to signal with a bell that hangs on the door when they want to go outside.
2. Crate training Getting puppy used to sleeping in the crate at night and staying in crate for short periods of time.
3. Introduction to collar and lead Getting puppy used to the feel of a collar and lead....this is oh so new to them.
4. Basic commands Teach them everyday commands such as "sit", "down", "no bites", "go potty", "off" etc. A concept of commands concerning acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
5. Car rides Take them in vehicle to get them acclimated to motion and travel.
6. Socialization Socializing puppy with other animals including my two dogs and cat. As well as other people and children.
7. Environmental conditioning Getting puppy used to sounds- vacuum, washer, dryer, tv, radio etc. Textures- such as tile floor, carpeting, grass, gravel etc. Touch- such as their feet, ears, faces, grooming and bathing. Travel to new places such as parks, pet stores and schools.
8. New owner training session Training for, preferably the whole family, the day the puppy goes home. This is the time I go over my observations of your puppy's personality and tendencies, corrections that work well with your individual puppy, commands they have been taught and proper execution of them. Please allow enough time for a complete question and answer session as well.
9. Email journal with photos I keep an ongoing journal of your puppy's progress and personality while in my home along with weekly photos. I set it up as attachments via email. If a hard copy is desired it is available at an extra fee.
10. Continued support Because I have lived with your little one during these formable weeks I have a wonderful feel for your puppy's individual personality. If you find you're having trouble once you get home I am always available for any advice you may need.
3 weeks is the average time needed to give your puppy a good base, I have done 2 week training but that has proven not to be enough time because it takes the first week for the puppy to get acclimated to it's new environment. I have never had to go 4 weeks because by the third week they do pretty well. This is based on a puppy that is 8 weeks old when it comes to my home.
If you would like to discuss my services you may call me at 419-566-1518 or email me at tara@omorrow.com.
My price list is on the contact and pricing list page on side menu.
