INTRODUCING MARLIN
In partnership with Carlton & United Breweries, we are pleased to share we are now sponsoring Smart Pup Marlin!
Marlin was born at the Smart Pup kennel and training facility at Verridale. Smart Pups have a small puppy playground where they take them outside and introduce the pups to different textures and surfaces and they get to play with their siblings. Once the puppies are around 8 weeks, the puppies start learning very basic skills: eye contact, recall and sit for greeting. They are also introduced to life skill lessons-getting out and about in a human world.
It is imperative to do this at an early start as puppies are in the most impressionable stage of their socialisation development (3 weeks - 16 weeks of age), to where puppies are most accepting of new and novel things/experiences. This is the time to ensure as much positive exposure is done in order to get a well-rounded, confident pup to take on his role successfully.
More on our Smart Pups.
See below for the latest in Marlin's journey:
NOVEMBER 2024
SKILLSET LEARNED: Marlin is progressing very well through his training modules thus far. His new favourite trick is to ‘speak’ on command and he is currently learning to to ‘touch’ pedestrian crossing buttons which is pretty neat also.
NOTEABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS: This month Marlin was welcomed back from the prison program. His trainers were so excited to see how big he has grown in such a short period of time. He sure is a BIG boy and towers over his siblings. Marlin and his trainer have been working hard since his return on environmental exposures to make up for his time in prison. His confidence is growing with every session they do.
EXCURSIONS, OUTINGS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Marlin's highlight outing this month was definitely the opportunity for another visit to his adoring us at Greenbank Services Club! Marlin also got the opportunity to experience some Howl-o-ween fun at the Ginger Factory in Yandina this month and also outings to Maroochydore shopping centre and indoor putt-putt!
OCTOBER 2024
Marlin has been part of Smart Pup's Palen Creek Prison Program in October.
PALEN CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTRE PRISON PROGRAM INFORMATION: Over the past 6 years the dog handling team of inmates have been training Smart Pups in basic obedience, task work and tricks from the Smart Pup's training modules. Each dog is with two handlers for a five-week rotation. The experience and dedicated time given to the pups ensures a solid grounding in their basic skills. With two training sessions daily as well as living with the handlers, the Smart Pups receive maximum attention.
PCCC is a low security prison farm (600 acres), so the dogs get exposure to horses, cattle, farm machinery, the prison gyms, workshops, and admin areas. The compound has long driveways for loose lead walking practice to meet the local wallabies and bird life. The dog handlers are a tight knit team of 6 who work together and support each other's training. They are very honoured to be selected for this program, it is a privilege to work with the dogs. They are very proud of the work they do and love to see the Graduates and hear placement stories.
The PCCC program is a win win for all, as the dogs get great training and attention and the handlers learn a skill to take with them on release. They learn teamwork, responsibility, and a chance to give back to community as well as receive much needed affection from their four-legged friends!
PALEN CREEK PRISON HANDLER REPORT: Marlin has proved to be an excellent house guest so far. He is super affectionate and excited young man. He is a fast learner and loves to train – and to be paid in kibble for training!! Marlin is progressing very quickly through all modules, has just locked in take it/bring it, nuzzle and tug. Next on the agenda is speak, lie on and open/close.
Marlin is the first GRAB that we have trained and he is proving to be a joy to train and to instruct. He has the energy and appetite for training of a labrador but the ability to flop down and relax like a golden retriever. Personality wise, Marlin is very playful and energetic and he plays well with his siblings although being the biggest of the 3, he uses his size to his advantage.
Marlin is an amazing pup and a very good boy!
SEPTEMBER 2024
CHARACTER OF SMART PUP: Marlin is a cool, confident character who has taken everything in his stride so far and has a lovely placid streak to his personality.
SKILLSET LEARNED: A busy past 4 weeks for little Marlin! Marlin has been mastering some basic commands this month, including: Sit, Wait, Come, High 5, Wave, Shake, Spin, Down, Lap That’s a lot to learn for such a young fellow but Marlin is showing us just how clever he is and how quick he learns
NOTEABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: It might not sound like much but Marlins walking on lead has begun to improve dramatically. He is no longer rushing and is settling a lot better with walking in correct position next to his trainer, Keira. Although still a work in progress, as he is maturing, he is beginning to grasp the concept of working while his Smart pups coat is on and with this we are seeing a great improvement with is eagerness to please his handler.
EXCURSIONS OUTINGS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Marlin’s highlight outing this month was definitely a trip to visit his adoring fans (us) at Greenbank Services Club. He definitely melted the hearts of the staff and patrons with his adorable puppy dog eyes and also impressed with his rather large stature for his age. Marlin is going to be a big boy and everyone at Greenbank could see how big his paws are and how much growing he has yet to do.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Marlin is now heading off for training within our prison program at Palin Creek Correctional Facility. He will be learning lots of new tasks in a controlled environment whilst there.
AUGUST 2024
CHARACTER OF PUP: Marlin is a cool, confident character who has taken everything in his stride so far and has a lovely placid streak to his personality.
SKILLSET LEARNED: Yahoo! Marlin has nailed the command of sit, is beginning to learn down and his favourite trick is high 5. He is learning to shake hands now too.
Marlin is still working on walking on a loose lead. This takes time for a young pup. He is just so confident when he is exploring new places that he often forgets that he need not rush to the end of his lead. Phew, it sure is a work in progress but watch this space.
NOTEABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS OBSERVED THROUGH THE MONTH: Marlin's trainer is very proud of how Marlin handled a very big day out at the Ginger Factory this month. It was very busy but this did not deter him. He confidently rode on both the attractions there without blinking an eye. This is seriously amazing given that he is still so young and discovering the world. Great job Marlin!
EXCURSIONS, OUTINGS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Another big month for little Marlin on the excursions front. This month he has visited a local splash park, made a soft toy friend at Big W and had a fun day out at the Ginger Factory. Here Marlin got to enjoy a ride on the infamous Ginger Train, which he enjoyed and was very calm riding on the indoor boat ride too which can be very overwhelming for many dogs, even at older ages. Marlin's had lots of visits this month to the local IGA’s in support of our Pawgust campaign.
JULY 2024
CHARACTER OF PUP: Marlin is a cool, confident character who has taken everything in his stride so far and has a lovely placid streak to his personality.
SKILLS LEARNING: Marlin has been learning: wait for mealtimes, sit, tricks such as high five/shake and spin, fetch, tug - introduction to mobility training, loose lead walking (LLW). Although this may seem a lot, the sessions are always kept short and most of all fun!
NOTEABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS OBSERVED THROUGH THE MONTH: Trainer Keira has noted how wonderfully confident Marlin is when they're out and about discovering all about the world. He will give anything a go which is fantastic considering just how small he is right now versus how big the world is.
Check out what else is on at your favourite Club by clicking here.