Genius HourMalaree Wiltgen
Genius Hour Project
-Initial thoughts:*Just got an 8 week old puppy in the beginning of June.*I will need to teach him some basic obedience commands.*I think I will do my genius hour on training my puppy!
Meet Rockie!
*Rescued from the reservation and adopted from Heart of the Valley*Born April 2015*Terrier/Beagle Mix… we think!
*Named after the Colorado Rockies
Initial Goal for Genius Hour
*To teach Rockie basic obedience: -Sit-Stay-Come-Down
But after spending a few days with Rockie….
*Researching his breed*Observing his behavior*Interacting with him
The goal changed!
*I wanted to work on basic puppy skills-Potty training
-Walking on a leash-Socializing with other people, especially kids-Crate Training
The goal changed! (continued)
-Developing a relationship with our three year old Golden Retriever George.-Riding in a car.
How I was going to reach the goal
*Work with him everyday*Use treat based reinforcement*Use the book recommended by our veterinarian
-The Art of Raising a Puppy, the Monks of New Skete
Challenges
-Moved to a different town and house-Spent one week with my sister-Visited with the Behavioral Specialist at the Heart of the Valley
Successes!
-Training Rockie to walk on a leash.-Training him to sit.-Nicely socializing with kids and other dogs.
More successes!
-Riding in a car.-Riding in a basket/box on a bike.
Still in progress...
-Potty training-Sleeping through the night-Barking-Walking up & down stairs
What I learned:
*Patience is key!*Every dog is different.*Every breed is different.*Honestly, I wished I would have researched different breeds beforehand.*Puppies take a lot of time!
How I would implement this in my classroom
*Offer some guidance *Show a few examples*Give some class time to work on it*Help students find their passion!
Bonus Footage: Rockie Sleeping Pictures
*Rockie is my fav when he is sleeping!