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!