Warning: Tooting a horn tonight
Tonight was graduation day for the puppy class which Tovah attended. There is awlays a fear that your dog will decide to embarrass you on graduation day. I've seen it happen many times before, even with my own dogs. I wasn't sure what would happen with Tovah but hoped as long as I remained calm and did not get stressed, she'd do well. She surpassed my expectations, performed all three of her tricks, and did beautiful down maintains (stay) with many distractions. I could not be more proud of her. At such a young age, 5 1/2 months, she has grown leaps and bounds and will only improve as she learns more.
Lesson of the day: Never underestimate your dog nor yourself.
4 comments:
SO CUTE! You make me want a dog. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I know it's so much work, but it sounds so rewarding :)
Kim, yes to both. Let me know if you want help.
I'm going to sign up for a doggie class this summer (I just can't imagine doing it right now) - we took Gus and Milo to a dog-friendly beach yesterday, but because they aren't HUGELY socialized and because they don't really pay attention to us at times, we were nervous to let them off their leash and just run.
I do have doubts, such as, "Will I be a bad owner and not be able to control my dogs, even in/after a class?". So I must say that it relieves me a bit to hear from someone who has so much experience with dogs that there is ALWAYS that anxiety.
So glad that Tovah is thriving in so many ways with you!
Kristina, that's great you are going to do a dog class. I think it is so important and really does help establish a better bond. I'm sure you will do great. The most important thing is to have fun with your dogs and try to set them up for success not failure (this would be a good example of not letting them off leash yet until their obedience is better)
In our classes, were hear people all the time say "I don't think my dog is ever going to calm down." Or, "they'll never do that." Surprisingly enough, the owners are always amazed just how far their dogs come in classes. Believe in your dog, they can do it!
As for trainers, CA has a lot, so look for one who uses positive methods and/or operant conditioning. See if you can sit in on a class. The APDT website is a good source to look up trainers in your area. Let me know if I can be of more help.
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