Tonight at 7PM, Joe and I officially start obedience training. I have already been working on some things (my going in and out of doors first, my going up and down stairs first, increasing the length of time he sits, giving him heaps of praise when his behavior fits our expectations rather than a "treat", and a few others that escape me right now). We have seen some definite signs of improvement. This morning he and one of the cats sat less than 2 feet apart on the floor. Joe didn't feel compelled to dive bomb the cat. Eventually the cat figured out Joe wasn't going to eat her and quit making her irritating growling sounds. His outdoor behavior with Jim has been on the money for several weeks. He sometimes has hero worship, following Jim around the yard but mostly he'll take care of his business while Jim takes care of his.
Indoors he has wanted to get a little rough with Jim a couple of times. He stopped when we told him "stop". I also am keeping Joe out in the yard 15-20 minutes after walks to allow him to wind down as it seems like that is when he's most likely to overstep the bounds with Jim. I try to throw ball/Frisbee 2 or 3 times a day about 15 minutes a shot (want to see his tongue really dragging). Then he'll come in, drink water, find a good place to hunker down and then I come downstairs and get work done without interruptions for generally 90 minutes or more at a shot.
All in all, we're both very pleased with Joe. He still needs the direction that OT will give him/us but I'm feeling very encouraged by the signs that both of us are seeing. He really is a charmer and it's great to be seeing some positive signs, even before training officially starts.
Virginia
Sounds great Virginia.
An odd thing occurs in training called the 5 week slump. Things will be going smoothly then all of a sudden it'll seem like he has forgotten every thing he has learned. Books have been written explaining this occurrence on the dogs thought process changing from short term to long term memory. Don't become frustrated. Back up and start with the basics again. He will quickly relearn the commands and this time it will stay in his long term memory. Sounds like your doing a fantastic job. Enjoy the classes.
Glad to hear the good news. Hope class went well. Always nice to see some one get a good break after some bad luck. After the last few month's trials and tribulations you and Bob are certainly due.
Class went very well.
We got there and it was packed. She is doing two different classes due to the size. Joe freaked out at all the dogs and people and would not go in the door. Bob's little brother is taking his two mastiff's back through the class, primarily so that they & Joe will learn to know each other. He hopes we can bring Joe over for play dates when we meet them to play cards. How cool is that? His daughter came out and kind of pushed Joe's butt through the door.
He was one of the "barkers" so Michelle taught us "no bark", hand over muzzle. That will definitely come in handy at home! The good news was that Joe did not show any sign of aggressive behavior around all the dogs/people. One dog very much was aggressive and I'm wondering if it will be asked to not return. She said zero tolerance of aggressive behavior.
Mostly we worked on sit, stay, heel and a few brave souls tried come as well as entering/departing through doors first. Joe passed all tasks with flying colors. We are to train 2 10 minutes at a time until class next week.
Glad we went. Glad Joe was not aggressive. Looking forward to next week.
Virginia
Great news. :)
Chris
I was wondering how things went for you last night, Virginia! I'm glad you had a good time. And it's really amazing how much you learn about your dog in a busy classroom setting, isn't it? Our dog was on full alert when we arrived at class, lol, while other dogs were really very timid. The instructor told both the husband and I to deliver a very strong correction whenever he got a little too big for his britches and it worked. We spent a lot of time on "leave it!" and "watch me" so we could break his focus on other dogs and bring him back to following commands. The instructors were quick to point out that obedience classes were less about training the dog than they were about training the owners. And within 3 classes you'll see who does their homework and who doesn't.
20 minutes a day is really all it takes as long as you enforce the commands every time you give them. I loved the classes and practicing was very easy. I found our dog was much more receptive to more intensive work after he'd had a chance to blow off some energy. 10-15 minutes chasing a tennis ball seemed to put him "the right frame of mind" for homework. It was the best thing we could've done to help our dog adapt his new home.
The socialization alone is worth a million bucks. I would have paid that much just to see Joe in this new and strange environment. Glad to hear everything went good.
QuoteHe hopes we can bring Joe over for play dates when we meet them to play cards.
OMG--- I'm a Redneck!!! I totally "Tim the toolman-ed" when I read that. Just before the coffee flew out my nose I had an image of one of those self loading "clay pigeon" throwers the trap shooters use and a case of mini-frisbees; and Bob's brother having to carry those two mastiff's back into the house after Joe wore out LOL. BTW --- Al just reminded me that a safety shield around the moving arm of the machine would be in order.
Your right Kody---that was a good test of Joe's ugh disposition ? for want of a better term. It makes me believe that Virginia is right and that Joe's spring is just wound a little too tight at home. Not that I had any argument---She lives with the dog/ I read about him up here in Canada. A little hard to form a opinion. Glad all went well.
Ah yes, loved Tim the Toolman. You would have to know George to understand the play date thing. His granddaughter is always bugging him to remind me that she and I need a "Barbie play date" -- lol. And they always want us to play cards and we end up leaving because the dogs are home alone. We brought Joe over after MIL died because George & Marcie fixed lasagna for everyone who came home for the funeral. He ended up putting the big dogs in his daughter's yard (next door -- that is red neck!) and Joe and their little dog ran their fool heads off. So, he & Marcie decided that the two big dogs should go back through the classes just so that Joe would get to know them. We sit next to each other. Joe started off barking at Horton (Horton & Hillary) but by the time class was over, he was oblivious to both dogs).
And yes, it was really quite amusing to see that "tough guy" Joe was such a total wuss when faced with a room full of dogs/people. I was sorry that it wasn't being video'd for posterity.
I'm doing my training time in conjunction with walks as he gets squirrely when the lead comes out -- jumps up & down for joy, grabs it in his mouth, etc for about half a block. Then drops it and I can start working on heeling, sitting, and "finishing" (circling Joe while he maintains the sit). Joe has gotten great about holding his position while I "finish". Bob was thrilled to learn the "no bark" command. I spent most of yesterday finishing up an RV chair (how do I get myself in these fixes -- the buttons were just the pits -- all 22 of them - ugh) and Joe went off on something or another. Bob told him "no bark" once. He said Joe looked at him like he had suddenly grown a second head but he quit barking immediately.
Joe was a little wired last night and wanted to get fresh with Jim while I was in the bathroom but Bob pulled out his squad leader command voice and Joe remembered his manners. I need to develop such a voice but doubt that will happen.
Any suggestions on digging? Joe has a couple of favorite spots to dig in. I fill them in, he redigs when I'm not looking. "No dig" has no effect so far. That is one habit I want to break sooner rather than later.
Virginia
BTW Darren, the Frisbee tosser, with or without the covered arm, sounds like an absolutely fabulous idea. Have you got that patented yet and where are they available for purchase. Joe wears my throwing arm out when we have our play breaks so I'd love to purchase one of those numbers!
Virginia
I think the "deep hidden meaning" in obedience work is, making your dog an easy-going, pleasant companion. You both have to speak the same language and the human has to be "Cap't. of the Dog Ship" to make that happen. Obedience class was the key to
I loved training our dog. It was rewarding, and it was the best reason in the world to get outdoors regardless of work load. Win-Win for dog and humanoid!
QuoteI need to develop such a voice but doubt that will happen.
Did you not get some "voice culture" training on your leadership courses in the army? Up here our first leadership course is a requisite for promotion to master corporal after which you are expected to be able to instruct---including foot drill. Same voice---just not quite as load usually LOL. Ask any of the lifer's here that I have talked to on the phone and you'll see I was a walk on with my voice. My best was the day the late Lt. Col. Ross Thompson and I exchanged artillery fire orders by voice at 600 meters while the sorted out a comms issue between the OP and the command post.
As far as the frisbee cannon---I don't know if mini frisbies are the right size but there are also hand throwers that work okay,( at least with clays). Remember I mentioned the neighbour who used a tennis racket to gain range and reduce fatigue walking her golden retriever.
with the digging---If it's a shallow "wallow/nest" he's looking to make a cool place to lie down or to get out of a cold wind. If it's the size of the bone he thinks he's going to get after supper it's fridge. If it's a "tunnel" he smells something he wants down there (gophers/moles etc...). Until you find out his motivation, I'd lace the hole with cayenne pepper etc.. to make it less attractive before you back fill.
Better hurry up Schools almost out and summer ball will be going full speed, So have a look on craigslist for the baseball throwers then just get you a lawn chair and an of course an Umbrella drink.
we will require pics
Good to hear you all having a good time with training
Darren:
The only leadership course I took was PLDC, Primary Leadership Development Course. That was after Active Duty, when I was in the Reserves. We did no cadence calling or anything requiring voice. The main requirement was preparing and presenting a briefing. Cannot remember if I told you this before or not - mine was giving a briefing on how to properly rate the male posterior. : O For the remainder of the course, every male there (with the exception of my ex) backed away from me. Funniest thing I ever saw.
So, I am working on my drill sergeant voice. From time to time, I hit it. Other times, not so much.
Digging, he has several. Some small ones that he puts his treasures into. One shallow one by the house he dug on the hottest day of the year and I figured that was his "keep cool" tunnel. I will try the cayenne pepper trick.
Not sure if the above mentioned throwers would help with Joe playing Frisbee or not. I mainly throw balls as a way to entice Joe to drop his Frisbee. Once he retrieves it, he thinks we should play tug-of-war. I need to hit the Pet store again and buy a couple more of the cloth Frisbee's. They throw better and he's getting good at catching them. Hard plastic just land with a "thud". We threw Frisbee after Jim & I returned from our after supper walk. This is Joe's "chill-out" period. In the space of 10 or 11 minutes, he caught 4 in air and one of those was a high catch and caught another as it hit the ground so I considered it a catch as well. He probably caught 5 or 6 on the bounce. He kind of altered the game by hitting the Frisbee with his nose mid-air to divert the course. Not sure what the purpose of that is other than it seems to entertain him greatly. He's so funny when he catches them in-air. Flies around the yard a time or two, then proceeds to do the "shaken baby" syndrome with it, then runs over to me so that I can heap praise on him. Then I throw a ball so that I can get the Frisbee back. Fastest way to "hanging tongue" and a quiet evening of television I've found yet. Plus it's just a ton of fun for both of us.
Bob & I were both shocked last night. I was just taking the dogs out for "last chance". Joe & I hit the dining room and Jim was still thinking about getting up. Cass (the most vocal of the two cats in her disapproval) happened to be coming into the dining room from the hallway. Joe stopped in his tracks when he saw her. Cass flew over to him, got on her hind legs and proceeded to box him around his muzzle area. She did that for close to a minute. He never moved a muscle. She finished boxing him, retreated back to the hallway and the safety of under a bed and Joe just looked stunned that she had done that to him. Bob & I both burst into laughter, then heaped tons of praise on Joe for not chasing her. Cass rewarded Joe this morning by growling fiercely at him every chance she got.
Gotta shower & hit the road. We got out for breakfast on Friday and then go to the store.
Virginia
Very glad to see that obedience training might do the trick. I can come off really non-warm/fuzzy when new dog owners have difficult personality dogs. Once a dog owner of a smart dog or a working dog "gets it", that the dog really needs and really respects and enjoys firm leadership, it is magical to watch the process mature.
The 5 week slump in behavior backsliding is called, I believe, an extinction burst. IOW, the dog (without really knowing what they're doing) before they dive into good behavior for good, they will revert extremely to bad behavior, just to give it one more try to work...
And sometimes in obedience classes or training, it's the smallest thing that makes all the difference in the world. A look or a gesture, or a word. I have a word, that is really a non word, but if the dogs do something that I want to extinguish immediately, it's loud, it's guttural and it means business. Whatever they are doing, they will stop. Immediately. I don't overuse it.
A working dog or a smart dog, I think really likes a smart owner who follows the regime...that dog can relax in its environment, because you the owner has set good boundaries.
Hope it continues to go well
Perry
Thanks for your wishes.
I do NOT consider myself a "new dog owner" . My family got our first dog, a boxer, when I was 6 months old and the only time I've been without a dog was my 12 weeks in basic training/advanced individual training. Our house in KS sat on 7 city lots (smaller than full) and at one time we had 5 dogs at one time, including a golden retriever. Most of our dogs have been working dogs, 3 St Bernards, golden retriever, Siberian Husky, etc. We've never had one with Joe's whatever he has before.
Again, thanks for your wishes.
Virginia
Perry,
I read your thoughtful reply and pretty nearly all the points you made were my own observations when training our dog! I think many dog "owners" fail to recognize the subties of personality that diverse breeds present. Gene pointed that out earlier in this thread and he was spot on.
The real "key" is to making it work with your dog is to focus on the personality traits you like and discourage those you dislike.
Blows my mind that too many fail to focus training on the positive. Praise, Practice,PERFECT.
Not *you* being a *new* dog owner, but the *dog* being a *new dog*. I've had many dogs and most of them have been middle of the road personalities. Easy to train, and mold into what I wanted. I have one however, who has been a delightful challenge. She has pushed all the boundaries, in a good hearted way, but if I didn't adopt a rigorous, no excuses regime, she would rule the roost. Once she realized that I had everything, EVERYTHING under control, she has been happy to be my back up.
There is a dog training philosophy called NILIF. (nothing in life is free) That can mean anything..sitting on furniture, at your level, sleeping in the bed or the same room with you. When to bark, when to play or sit, stay. When to go outside. You control every aspect of their life. And you have to be a kind, but firm leader. I have guests a lot here, and I ask my guests to NOT greet my dogs until the dogs are quiet and still. When company greets the dogs, when the dogs are excited and barking and jumping, it just reinforces behavior that I don't want.
Getting dogs past adolescence, just like kids can be a challenge...
Perry
This is a NILIF household, Perry! It's a ton of work up front. You have to require and enforce compliance. You say it, the dog DOES IT. "Negotiation" is not part of the equation.
I think our trainer agrees with the philosophy - focusing on the positive. She said that first night, find one thing about your dog and focus on that positive -- not the negative behaviors that you are frustrated by.
With Joe, there are tons of positives. We love his enthusiasm, zest for life, he's very loving, smart, funny, on and on.
If I could only change one behavior, it would be the need to mess with Jim. Even that, he will probably outgrow in time but Jim deserves to not be messed with at every opportunity. Soooo, when he comes in frisky and doesn't go over trying to start something with Jim, we heap tons of praise on him and when he does he gets scolded. We're about 50-50 so I guess we are making progress. Somehow, I don't think Jim sees it that way. You can tell, he's very frightened of being jumped on and hitting the ground so I keep close tabs on the two of them. That is the one behavior that is NOT negotiable right now.
I am enjoying walking more with Joe "heeling" more and more. There are certain blocks right now that I don't even try -- too many distractions. God help me if the ducks from Suck Lake are nearby. Joe loves him some ducks : O
At any rate, he certainly is a challenge but well worth it, IMO.
Virginia
I left a comment on your other post, but it looks like you are on the right track!
Week #2 training tonight. I'm excited to see how Joe will line up, in comparison with the other dogs, as far as the training that we've been doing all week. It's been very gratifying as, unless he is really fired up, if he's misbehaving I can tell him to sit and stay and he does. That's HUGE! When he goes over and starts messing with Jim, Jim starts whining. I don't even have to be in the same room, I hear Jim whine and tell Joe "Stop" and he flies over onto the couch and tries to get an innocent look on his face. Too funny! Last night and this morning both, I heard the cats growling (but not screaming) and went out prepared to chastise Joe. He was sitting less than a foot away but not encroaching, just in a stare down with them. They were trying their best to "get Joe in trouble". LOL for sure!
Still work to be done. Joe heels but not textbook perfect as I believe his shoulders should be in alignment with my hips. He gets very distracted on our walks: birds, squirrels, ducks, other dogs, people but I do see improvement daily. Yesterday I had him heeling and there was an elderly gentleman ahead of us -- for you old timers this guy was doing the greatest Tim Conway Old Man Shuffle I've ever seen -- he had a huge dog. Probably had 15-20 pounds on Joe. Joe was aware of the dog and was extremely interested in the direction that the man and his dog were walking but I was able to keep him in our version of heel. Same thing happened when we passed two of Suck Lake's ducks out for their morning stroll. Joe rubbernecked for all he was worth but kept heeling. Squirrels are the big struggle. Joe really wants to play with squirrels and so far I've not been able to keep him heeling when they come out. Even with the choke, Joe still insists on trying to get to them. I really hate that and hope that it will change soon.
Virginia
Sounds like Joe is doing great. By the end of the course he will be walking lockstep next to you. Don't be surprised if he acts up a little in class. Lots of distractions and excitement there. The main thing (for now) is hes doing good at home. If you have time get to class 10 mins early and walk Joe around outside. Make him do some sit stays and give him a little exercise. This will help him calm down a little before you go inside. It usually takes about 3 weeks before the dog figures out your there to work.
That's a great idea but won't be able to implement this evening. We are smack in the middle of rain that is supposed to go most of the evening. I can't take him in the building early to walk/sit/stay as we were broken up into two groups and the other group goes 6-7. Hopefully, the weather will be nice next week so that I can get the "devil" out of him.
Virginia
Must watch this cat vs dog video.
https://www.facebook.com/HuffPostUKComedy/videos/523956007707915/?fref=nf
Ugh - much of last night was just a total disaster. Rainy night so I couldn't get any of Joe's hyperness run out of him before class. At least Joe did walk into the classroom on his own accord this week instead of having to be pushed in. George's female dog was in a witchy mood and barked at Joe as we passed by. George had said that Hillary was much more territorial than Horton and that was the case last night. So, we sat by Horton. Joe seemed curious about Horton but the classroom rule is that the dog has to give permission for close encounters and Horton had not given permission. I wasn't thrilled about going on the other side but it was the only vacant seat plus we want the dogs to get to know each other. Anyway, dog on the other side, attendees later found out, was a dog with aggression issues that is currently staying at the Humane Society. The Director wanted to see how deep the issues were. I was pretty po'd about that. We are paying for this class and the Humane Society throws in a couple of their most aggressive dogs to see just how aggressive they were. Great!!!
So, every time Joe looked his way (a LOT), this huge Pit Bull jumps to his feet, baring his teeth, growling and barking. Joe doesn't back down. He didn't bare his teeth but he wanted a piece of the action. The only redeeming factor was that this was going on the other side of the classroom with the other Humane Society dog. I'm assuming they are doing this to help them determine whether or not the dogs should be euthanized or not. It pretty much blew whatever we were supposed to be learning for the first half of the class. Pit bull barked and growled, Joe barked, dogs on the other side barked. I tell Joe "No Bark", "Sit", and other commands, mostly to no avail. On the times, I could get him to sit, Pit Bull would start barking again and I lose control of Joe. Handler took Pit Bull out of the room and Joe and the other dogs settled down. Right after break the pit bull and the other dog (didn't see it close enough to know it's predominant breed) came back into the classroom. PB was settled for a while and so was Joe. For no reason that I could tell, PB jumped up baring it's teeth, growling, barking so Joe did as well. Somewhere along the line, George & his daughter switched dogs and we have Hillary on our other side. When the PB went off, Hillary started after Joe. I pulled Joe as far away from both as I could. George grabbed Hillary, took her outside and had a "Come To Jesus" moment with her and she was fine after that. Both Humane Society dogs were pulled permanently at that point.
So for the last 20 minutes, things were great. We did figure 8's, which Joe did perfectly. Michelle (Instructor) came over and gave me a high five for how Joe responded. We also did "Come" where Michelle had Joe's lead and I was on the other end of the mat. I called Joe, she had the lead loose and he ran to me with Michelle running for her life. Too funny! Worked on "Down" during the PB stuff, which Joe knows already fortunately so we were able to pass that task. There were a couple other during the dog stuff which I'll have to look at the course notes to see what they were. "Turn about" (probably not the right name) was one and I know I'm not doing that one right so will work on that this week.
Anyway, most of it was not a great night. Though Joe did great on the figure 8's. Michelle apologized over the Humane Society stuff and assured us that it will not be repeated. I'm still not a happy camper about it but not much I can do about it so trying to let it go and work with Joe on the stuff we worked on. Hoping week #3 will be better.
Virginia
I'm all for helping out the Human Society but your right about being a paying customer. You want the biggest bang for your buck. There are enough distractions in week 2 without dealing with aggressive dogs who are not part of the class. Sounds like your instructor was trying something new and it was not working out. She should have asked them to leave sooner. A situation like this could set your dog back weeks. There are better ways to socialize dogs form the humane Society. I'm also all for adding distractions to a class but usually not till the trainers have a pretty good handle on their dogs. Week 6 would have been a better idea.
I remember teaching classes and the students paying so much attention to there dogs and whats going on around them they completely miss what I was saying. I found myself repeating myself often and this is to be expected.
Each week you go to class you will see a great improvement in Joe. Hang in there Virginia, It'll all be worth it. Keep up the good work.
One thing I don't understand about animal shelters. And I've been to a bunch of them. They all seem to be loaded with Pit Bulls. Whats the deal with that. It's like they are putting down more adoptable dogs or breeds and trying to save this breed that very few people want. If the dogs aggressive put him down. There are too many unwanted dogs out there.
I am not a big fan of Pit Bull's. Before everyone wants to crucify me and tell me what great dogs they are and they have gotten a bad rap let me explain.
There are some docile and gentle Pit's out there. But alot of the pit bull lines in America were not bred by responsible breeders but rather by people who didn't have a clue and had Pit's for the ghetto status symbol. ( I am a bad ass and so is my dog ). Many more were bred out of illegal fighting lines. What all of these breeders were doing was taking their most aggressive Pit's and breeding them back to other aggressive pits. In the end alot of the pit's today come from these aggressive lines. In essence they have nearly destroyed the breed.
The same thing happened with GSD's back in the 70's. They nearly destroyed the breed with crappy breeding and trying to breed aggressive instincts into them. It took over a decade to get the breed back on track again.
I think the Pit problems will continue until they fall from favor with the idiots who think its cool to own an aggressive Pit. They nearly did the same with Rottweilers. Thankfully that breed is starting to come around again.
The biggest problem we have today is people breeding dogs for profit versus trying to maintain and enhance a breed. Speaking of which there is a lady in Orlando who is now breeding GSD's that are crossed with a tiny bit of wolf and a little bit of collie. Her pup's are blue in color and their temperament is that of a collie but with the intelligence and personality of a GSD. The next time we are near her kennels I want to stop in and see her Pup's as this experiment of hers is interesting to say the least. I have seen the pictures and they are simply gorgeous.
I am a big supporter of the GSD breed and have spent 40 plus years working with them, breeding them and training them. When we buy a GSD we select the breeder carefully based on their history of breeding. I am withholding judgement on this lady's attempt to improve the breed till I see them up close and personal.
Chris
Need to add that Joe and I had our long after lunch walk and he was a champ. We heeled most of the time. Not "lock step" but more in line than yesterday. Periodically would release him from heel so that we could reinforce "sit" and "stay". Did use the "turn about" once when Joe was interested in a squirrel. Don't think we did it completely correctly but he did respond nicely. Will try and call George in the morning and have him explain it to me again.
He's been pretty mello most of the day but is starting to come alive. I had him down in Sew & Sew but he's a bit too rowdy for a couple of projects that are within his reach so I had Bob put up the barricade and Joe's on him. But Joe understands that it's getting close to supper and after supper comes the evening walk and that boy loves his walks.
Virginia
I would like to point out that Joe looked at the Pit "a lot". And the Pit was returning the same behavior. A prolonged "eye lock" is a challenge for dominance between two dogs who both fancy themselves "alpha". That was an issue with our dog who is big and very strong. Work really hard on the "watch me" command, Virginia. Use it frequently and every single time Joe looks to you see how long you're able keep him looking into your eyes instead of the other dog's. Lavish him with loving praise when he will hold your eyes, esp. with a "distraction". It's harder than you think, but it's the quickest way to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. I also suggest working hard on "leave it" and how to deliver a corrective jerk to break Joe's focus on a challenging dog. And then keep right on doing the lessons Joe does so well! Think of the corrective jerk and a "reminder" that it's more FUN to be with you. Obedience work is really about "socializing" dogs. Socializing is more about politely ignoring other dogs and greeting people with respectful acceptance.
Obedience work is about teaching the handler how to work effectively with the dog. It takes practice and commitment and perhaps the class was the Pit's first, after spending the week in a cage/run with only basic human contact? All dogs are potentially aggressive, esp. when leashed, in a strange place, and surrounded by several other dogs! Working dogs are intelligent and protective, and they're usually good sized animals. Terriers were developed to kill vermin and drive off larger nuisance animals. They're smart, athletic, and focused dogs and are fully capable of doing great damage.
Excellent points on the degradation of certain breeds. Collies with eye problems, GSDs with hip issues, etc..
Watch me definitely sounds like a command we need to learn. I think it's about turn not "turn about" that I was referring to. You jerk the lead quickly and turn the dog in the opposite direction to diffuse the situation. Did that on our walk yesterday when Joe wanted to chase squirrels. Worked great. Also am using Leave It, especially when he wants to torment Jim.
Of course, the figure 8's are my favorite since Joe did them so effortlessly. I'm sure that's just for show and not anything of value but still it was fun to have Joe perform so well after the first half of class was such a disaster.
We should actually have sun today (first time all week) so our walks should be more fun just because of that. It's been either sprinkling or cold all week during our walks. Can't believe the weather is as cold as it is this late in May.
Thanks for all of the tips and encouragement!!!
Virginia
Bobbin:
Your so right. Once a certain breed becomes popular ( which runs in cycles and can even be brought on by movies ) you can pretty much count on a degradation of that breed. All the people looking for a quick buck start these puppy mill's and breed their dogs with known health issues.
Irish setters became popular and eye problems including blindness was passed on from liter to liter. Dobie's were the same way and had their health issues. GSD's had bad hips and then later elbows and were passed on in numerous liters. Cocker spaniels, Dalmations, Rottie's, Pit's, Goldens, etc. had popularity cycles and with it came many health problems that were ignored and bred into hundreds of liters.
I have a female GSD that has not been neutered yet. I have considered breeding her as I have several family members that would like a pup from her. But I refuse to just breed a dog based on how pretty she is. her hips and elbows would have to be certified clear and she would have to have a test for DM which is a common problem in loosely bred GSD's ( a degeneration of the nerves and spine ).
I also am not crazy about going through the puppy thing again. Been there, done that and have the T-Shirt. It is a ton of work with alot of risks to puppies and the mom. We also have enough puppies out there without me adding to the numbers.
I think I just talked myself out of it. I will probably have her neutered after she is two. More and more University studies are coming out that show in large breed dogs that spaying/neutering before the growth plates close off can cause issues in the dog later on. Many breeders are requiring new dog buyers to sign a statement saying they will not have their dogs neutered/spayed till they are at least 2.
Chris
I once talked to a customer from England. She told me over their because of strict breeding laws they have no strays. Being form America I found this very hard to fathom.
Americans have a knack for screwing up breeds. The dog in my profile picture came from strict breeders. His father was German and mother came from Holland. But in the end he still managed to get the disease Chris spoke of. Degenerative Myelopathy. He basically lost the feeling in his back legs. A doctor at the University of Florida Vet School is a spet in this disease and we tried many types of therapy including acupuncture and stem cell but in the end the disease got him.
The figure 8 is a fun exercise but it does have training value also. In the obedience ring the judge is looking for a brisk steady pace from the handler The handler should never break his stride or slow down or speed up for the dog. The dog on the other hand will have to slow down on an inside curve and speed up on an outside curve. At the same time paying close attention to the handler and never breaking the heal position. The dog should not be distracted by the human posts. In class we used handlers and their dogs (in a sit stay) as posts. This causes great distractions for all dogs involved.
By the way Virginia, what type dog does your teacher use for demo's.
Nice to know that Joe is excelling at something that has training value ; )
There are 3 or 4 people in the class that are experienced handlers that she is using for demos. My brother-in-law, George, is one of them. Horton & Hillary were the top in their class when they took it several years ago. They are a combination of dalmation/mastiff. Another woman has the larges yellow lab I have ever seen -- a very gentle and obedient fellow. There's a teenage girl that has a shepherd/???? that has also been through her class before. I think those are the only ones. She has them come up and demo the commands.
As far as screwing up breeds, don't forget to put St Bernards in there too. We had three. Fabulous dogs but all of them had hip issues. Our female was diagnosed with dysplacia at 8 months of age. We lived 40 minutes from Kansas State which has an incredible vet school and opted to take Gertie there to get her hips fixed. By the time the first hip had healed , she was too old for a good outcome and as the top vet there said to me, "It costs too much money for this surgery for anything other than a positive outcome." She lived to be almost 7 but always ran funny because her hips weren't in proper alignment. I was absolutely disgusted with both breeders. I called to let them know of the hip issues and pretty much begged them not to breed again. I was told "No one else has called, so it must be an anomaly." That's when & why we quit buying pure breeds. I know the technology has changed now to where you can identify things like bad hips, etc but we feel like there are too many strays or rescues in need of a good home so we are going that route now. Can be a little more challenging because they probably didn't come from a loving first home. But with patience and love, both Carly & Jimmy turned out to be incredible dogs. Hoping for the same outcome with my rowdy friend, Joe.
Virginia
Gene mentioned earlier on that certain breeds are better suited to certain owners. I think his observation was "spot on".
Labs. are wonderful dogs, but for me? too "cling-y". Always underfoot and "in the way". In my experience they don't know how "take a powder" (but I'm a cat person). I've found that I prefer the more independent nature of working dogs and terriers. And I'm willing to do the work to train them; not everyone is "wired that way". I should note that people with the aforementioned breeds of dog who DON'T train them piss me off big time.
I had horses in my earlier years. The most important lessons I learned were:
1.) it's easier to "outsmart" them than out muscle them
2.) you achieve more with patience and praise than with punishment
3.) if the lesson is not taking hold, go back to the basics because YOU'VE obviously failed in teaching a basic command!
4.) training is a reflection of YOU. If the animal "doesn't get it" you are the responsible party!
Absolutely agreed bobbin!
I have gotten more response out of Joe since I have begun using a more authoritative voice. 90% of the time he responds. The other 10% he is just too wired or I wasn't as authoritative sounding as I thought. Note: there is a difference in being authoritative (in command) as opposed to losing it and yelling. The difference is night and day.
Virginia
Ain't that the truth! And when you're really pissed off it's a whole lot harder to take a deep breath, think a little bit, and take a new tack.
I have "lost it" a few times. Really yelled, grabbed the scruff of his neck and given it a really good shake! proud? not hardly. But it did make an impression and I recovered quickly enough to go right back to basics. Things that were "easy" for him and easy to praise. Back to basics is key.
My dog has taught me every bit as much (prolly more) as I've taught him!
Week #3 here and gone. First of all, Joe started getting squirrely Saturday. Looked to us like he and the cats were playing. They didn't run off to a hiding place so we let them go. In retrospect, should have halted it. Once he "got by", he started goosing Jim and jumped on his hips in the back yard Monday night. Not hard enough to drop Jim, but I was a bit ticked at it. He started pulling towels down, getting into my nicely folded fabric and other irritating things he hasn't done for at least a month.
Soooo, off to school we go. I was encouraged because Bob didn't have to hoist him into my car. We got there just as the 6 PM class was letting out so (a bit early), so I thought we would do some about turns, sits, etc before class. Joe immediately drops on his side and WILL NOT do anything. So, I get him over to our seat. He started barking. No Bark with hand on muzzle, no effect at all. Would not heel when we were showing off how well our dogs could heel. Pretty much everything all night long. I was discouraged and embarrassed by Joe's behavior. Got home and he was extra squirrely. I did finally lose my cool and yelled in a very command voice according to my hubby (a former platoon sergeant). Joe did stop what he was doing and did listen. He has been listening and obeying since then but it's early yet. Hopefully week #4 will be better. He did great on our walk, other than trying to rip my arm out of the socket when he saw a cat he wanted to chase. Otherwise he either ignored or responded to "Leave It".
Virginia
Bobbin: Horses ?? Do not even get me started. We used to board horses when we had the farm and I worked with green horses up through great trail horses. They are a very smart animal and you never take one for granted.
I have been bucked off, leaned on, bitten, kicked, thrown and head butted but I still love my wife and married her anyways. Opp's, back to horses.
All kidding aside horses can be a real pleasure or an ugly 1,000 lb animal that will kick your head off.
I was always amazed at how smart they were whenever someone got in the saddle. They knew if they had a green rider, a kid or an experienced horse person and would respond accordingly. We had a mare on lease and was extremely kid safe. The second you put a kid on her back she would behave like a dream. The second my Ex-wife ( who the horse did not like )would get on her back she would grab the bit in her teeth and go.
They are amazing animals. I loved being around them. I had my share of run ins with them and got injured a couple times messing with ones that were not broke but I enjoyed spending time with them. It was my stress reliever back then. I miss the days of being in the barn brushing and grooming them, hearing and seeing their breath on a cold day.
I can say the same thing about women too. :)
Chris
Joe is a "kid"! he really does like being "told what to do"! but his memory is short because he's a "kid". Stick with the routine, make sure the commands are always uniform and that you follow through within 3-5 seconds. You say it, he does it. End of story! make him "hold it" and then praise lavishly! waiting and looking to you for "release" is the goal, Virginia.
LOTS OF EXERCISE before you get to work on the obedience stuff. Burn off the energy and he'll be much more receptive to what needs to be practiced. Trust me on this! he's so full of dynamite that concentrating is just too hard at a time when learning the voice and hand commands is still new and he just has to race around like a fool. You're doing everything right, and keep up the good work. Too many people wimp out when it gets "hard", don't be an "obedience pussy". Stick with it! (patterned a slip. the other day in a home with an obese, fear aggressive mini-Schnauzer. Was told, "Don't look at her or speak to her and she'll be fine." No kidding).
My reply? "OK, but trust me, if your dog even tries to bite me I will drop-kick her into the afterlife. Or, you can keep her behind her behind a securely closed door and both of us will be secure." I winked and went about my work. This particular "Homey" don't play that! sorry!
Thanks bobbin, I needed that.
Joe's day yesterday was pretty good actually. One cat in particular seemed bent on getting Joe in trouble yesterday. She was hanging under the dining room table. Joe would put one paw in the dining room and honest to God, she screamed like he was ripping her limb to limb. lol. So have to be extra careful to make sure he is really messing with cats before getting on his case Ain't siblings great ; )
Anyway, he responded well to "Leave It" when necessary yesterday. Evening walk, he did want to chase a squirrel and the two neighborhood ducks were too much to ignore. About turn and leave it had no effect so I kept repeating the commands while trying to drag him away. Too much fun! In both cases, once we got away from the situation, he returned to a pretty good heel. Got home and did our figure 8's (perfect) and then about a dozen about turn's just to get him used to them. You could tell when it was almost bedtime. Big yawns but could't resist going into the dining room just to hear Michelle scream. Most of the time, he didn't go near her, just wanted to hear her ridiculous screaming I think. Arghh! Dropped as soon as the lights were out.
He will probably sleep a lot today as it was a short night. There is a car wash across the street and their motion detector started going off a little after midnight. Horrible racket. After the third time, we called the police (actually thought it was the neighbor's car). Called back when the officer went by without stopping and that's when we found out it was the car wash. It was after 1 before the owner could get on site and probably 2 before the patrol car and the owner left. Once they got the siren to quit going off every time a leaf blew in front of it, they had a nice chat (I'm sure they were making sure that it wasn't going to go off again). Because the windows were open and it was quiet otherwise, we could hear their voices and Joe barked a time or two. We were good with that though as that is his job. I've got sandpaper eyes for sure. Ugh.
Michelle (cat) is stomping about the living room right now, obviously po'd that she can't get Joe to take the bait. Poor dude just wants to sleep. I didn't even have to tell him "Leave It" when we went through the dining room to go outside. He also did not try to swipe Jim's treats at all yesterday or their first treat this morning so those are some nice differences. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and we'll see how week #4 goes.
I also think I need to accept some of the blame for week #3. I know that I handle the lead more confidently when we're out and about in the neighborhood than when we're in the classroom. Joe picks up on that and takes full advantage of it. Think that is also the problem when we hit squirrels or the ducks. I'm not confident in being able to diffuse it, Joe picks up on it and wham it becomes a nightmare. Good thing I do upholstery an have lots of arm muscles or I'd never bee able to manhandle him out of these spots. So, that is my exercise to work on. Being confident in being able to control Joe through the trouble spots. Don't expect to master it over night but will work on projecting confidence in those situations, as well as using my new "command" voice and see what changes that brings.
Virginia
Oops, forgot to mention that instructor started the class by saying that last week's behavior was inexcusable and that her "zero tolerance of baring teeth" was again being implemented. I was really po'd at that because the ONLY dogs that bared their teeth were the two from the humane society that she allowed in the class. Yes, Joe was in an alpha male dispute with one of the creatures and barked/growled at him but Joe NEVER bared his teeth at anyone, nor did any of the paying customer's dogs as far as I could tell. So she allowed two aggressive dogs in her classroom, then grumps about the behavior of the dogs. So that put me on edge as I was pretty sure Joe was one of the dogs whose behavior she was referring to. Yes, he's all puffed up about his alpha maleness but after watching some aggressive behavior in this class, I don't believe Joe is aggressive. Just a very energetic puppy with tons and tons of energy. So, I think I was extremely nervous (socialization time) that Joe would bare his teeth and get booted. Joe fed on that and we just went downhill from there.
End of the class, she "thanked" everyone for keeping their dogs in check. Duh! There was no aggressive dog in the classroom, no problems other than Joe and a couple of other dogs who are in love with their voices. I did have to laugh because it seemed like when I would get Joe to quit barking, then a dog on the other side of the classroom would start barking. They would get that dog shut up and Joe would start in. Arghh.
Next week could not get worse so I'm sure that week # 4 will be fabulous. ; )
Virginia
QuoteSo she allowed two aggressive dogs in her classroom, then grumps about the behavior of the dogs. So that put me on edge as I was pretty sure Joe was one of the dogs whose behavior she was referring to.
She failed her mission. Allow her to save face, and to use a bad experience to reinforce a positive standard. That's how leaders apologize and regain the situation. Right Bob?
QuoteI also think I need to accept some of the blame for week #3. I know that I handle the lead more confidently when we're out and about in the neighborhood than when we're in the classroom.
To paraphrase a mantra from the British Sandhurst Military Collage; One cannot command unless they are in command of themselves and the situation.
I'm a little less subtle as a Snr. NCO. " Screw "them" . You own the dog, the place in the class, and will not be intimidated . Assess the situation , draw a deep breath and walk in calm and in control, and get the best bang for your buck. You may need to yard on your boot laces----but don't be any different than at home. Joe is relying on you for direction and control. You can do it girl---just quit being shy at class.
Smiley's don't work with an apple :) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(
Joe had a great morning walk. Only issue was when we walked by his boxer buddy -- he did want to run but I didn't press the issue too much because they have been fence buddies since we started walking. Otherwise he was responsive to "Heel", "Leave It" and better with "About Turn" ... evening walk was not as good but again, that was probably me. He was doing very well. We met 3 squirrels and a couple of dogs and we were able to "Leave It" -- sometimes took more than one "Leave It" to get the desired result but solid progress. We passed a large dog and I knew Joe would have to Alpha male it and was a little shaky on my initial handling and Joe was more than pleased to take advantage of it. Lesson learned for Virginia.
He's been a little owley tonight. Too stuffy to play much Frisbee so we just didn't get as much energy out of him as optimum.
10 minute Frisbee break just taken. Joe caught his first 8 Frisbee's (6 cloth and 2 hard plastic). Dropped the rest of the plastic, 3 or 4 of the cloth and then caught at least another 6 of the cloth Frisbee's. Came in with his tongue dragging so hopefully he used up his remaining energy and we'll have a reasonably quiet evening.
Anyway, all in all I'm pleased with where Joe is at. When he gets squirrley or owley, I just have to force myself to go into my command voice. He is still responding to that. Work harder on my confidence in controlling Joe when we meet creatures that he goes into spazz mode over.
Good news is that we finalized MIL's estate issues today and should get checks Monday or Tuesday. That enables us to start the yard enlarging process which will also help Joe to run off steam a tad easier. Next week we can start getting contractors lined up for our first project. We have several other items around the house we want to improve but we both agreed that getting a larger yard for Joe is our top priority
Also, tomorrow is our 33rd Anniversary. How time flies. We were talking tonight about our "big" day, laughing about my MIL freaking out when we didn't get service as fast as she thought we needed, the after keg party and so forth. As with all marriages, we've had our share of ups and downs over the years but we've gotten through all the rough spots and the hard times always make the good times sweeter. Hoping for 33 more Anniversary celebrations (at least).
Virginia
Quick Update:
Joe shows improvement every day. One thing that seems to be helping is a new choke collar. The collar we replaced was purchased 6-8 weeks ago and Joe has filled out A LOT since then. I was afraid that we wouldn't be able to get it off of him if we didn't get it replaced soon. It wasn't choking him -- was still plenty loose around his neck but his head is larger than his neck. There is more give with the new one which makes it easier to flick it, gaining his attention.
He is also sitting at the door waiting for me to exit first. He doesn't completely understand that he is also supposed to wait for me to enter first but baby steps baby steps.
The HUGE change though is with Jim. He still has his moments of getting squirrely with Jim. I don't even have to use "Leave It" with him. If I'm out of the room, I come in and he flies over onto the couch. If I'm in the room, all I have to do is stand up and whoosh, he's off Jim in a flash. He is 7 months old and still playful and he really wants to play -- just doesn't understand about 12-1/2 year old hips.
So, despite a dismal week #3 classroom performance, I rate Joe's improvement in the B+/A- area. Needless to say, Bob & I are both thrilled. Still lots of work but obviously Joe knows what he is supposed to do. Both of yesterday's walks were also a vast improvement (due partially to a better fitting collar and partially to me being the "Captain of my Ship).
Joe loves his Frisbees and I've been throwing them a bit higher every day. He catches maybe 3 to 1 and it's obvious that he finds this great sport. When Joe is being good, he absolutely rocks!
Virginia
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Glad to hear Joe is coming along so quickly.
Thanks for the anniversary wishes as well as good wishes for my friend, Joe.
Nice quiet anniversary. I got a little work done, we went out for a nice meal, came home and vegged out watching TV shows.
Joe continues to improve every day. Walking is becoming very enjoyable with him, though I do have to stay on my toes. Joe did great on morning walk as well as evening walk, until we passed 4 dogs in about 3 seconds (3 of those dogs were yappers and I think that's what he took offense to). "Leave It" did ultimately work, just took more effort than I've been having to use with him. I'd still give him a high B for behavior on his walks.
A little apprehensive for our class on Tuesday as it is the full moon. Joe always gets a little crazy full moon so I am sure class will be interesting. Though I am much more confident in my ability to handle him on the lead. Plus I have 2 more days to work with him before class meets.
Virginia
Week #4-what a difference a week can make. Full moon-I was an ER receptionist and also a clerk/typist for Lincoln Ne LPD when going through College and every loony in town came through the doors.
Joe got off track on our morning walk over a poodle that started yapping at him but finished strong. He was a total d-bag with Jim in the afternoon. Would not leave him alone no matter how many "Leave It" commands or being taken by the collar out of the room that Jim was in but was perfect on our afternoon walk.
I emailed our instructor in the morning to let know how much Joe had progressed and she was really stoked about it. Joe was excited when we got to the Humane Society. Couldn't wait to get out of my vehicle. Walked around for a few minutes waiting for the 6 o'clock class to leave. Walked in and sat down without a fuss and no barking Michelle came over and gave me a hug and asked if I was ok with her sharing part of my email with the class.
Joe went through all of his paces the first half of the class perfectly. Passed the extended sit & exam by Michelle's helper (much to the amazement of everyone in class). He did break the extended down but helper uses a tennis ball and that is one of Joe's favorite toys so I expected that when I saw that she was bouncing the ball right next to their head. No barking at all through the first half of class
When we got back from class, Michelle talked about her real job & how much she enjoys teaching this class and then explained that she had an email that was why she does the class. She read the first part of my email which was where I explained about Chelsea last week telling me that I needed to get really mad at Joe - that he wants to please me but he has to know how mad his horrible behavior makes me and then about how mad I got at Joe last week after class and how he started listening & responding to me after I gave it to him with both barrels. She then went over to Chelsea, thanked her & gave her a $5 gift card to Dairy Queen. I was just thinking "Lucky Dog" in regards to Chelsea getting the gift card when Michelle came over, gave Joe a couple of pats on the head & then gave me a DQ gift card as well. WHO HOO! DQ this weekend.
Week #4, she has us switch dogs to see how we do handling someone else's dog. Needless to say, she switched Chelsea & I. Her dog is about the sweetest thing and responded to my commands perfectly. Joe handled Chelsea giving commands perfectly & did exactly as she expected. Still no barking from Joe.
There was one dog who had been very aggressive all evening. Barked, growled & bared teeth no matter what dog he stopped in front of during his time on the floor. He stopped in front of Joe several times, always baring teeth. Joe handled it great until the very end. We did our figure 8's and Joe was a star. Last thing every week, the 5 most improved dogs are called out to the center of the class and are put through their paces to determine the winner and the owner receives the traveling trophy to carry home for the week. It is returned the next week and given to the most improved dog.
I was not surprised that Joe was one of the top 5 dogs. Unfortunately, we stopped in front of said aggressive dog when we were going through our paces and when he bared his teeth at Joe, Joe had enough and barked back at him. We stopped in front of him twice and both times Joe barked at him. We returned to our seats. I told Joe what a good boy he had been except that he had gone a little crazy the last 5 minutes but I patted his head and told him that I did not blame him one bit. Michelle's helper announced the winner. She prefaced it by saying that Joe's difference was absolutely amazing and agreed with me that Joe had gone "a little crazy the last 5 minutes) and said that he was runner up and announced Sheba this absolutely fabulous Great Dane as the winner.
Joe & Sheba met each other during break. Joe was so excited to see her and was doing all of those silly puppy things during their encounter.
Joe did get a little bark just as it was time for us to leave but I would give him a solid "A" for his class performance. His responding to the aggressive dog keeps him from getting an A+. Joe as an absolute rock star in my opinion
We got home and I played with him outside for about 10 minutes getting some of his after class craziness out of his system before we went inside. He still wasn't ready to wind it down and wanted to run circles in the house. I called him down for that, took him outside and he ran circles in our yard for 2 or 3 minutes and then went to the back door so we went back in. He then plopped down but moved to about 10 different places in the Living Room before he found the spot that was "just right" and we didn't hear a peep out of him the rest of the evening.
Virginia
Joe, I think and hope, is making the transition from short term to long term memory. He's been in constant need of retraining all week. Will not leave the cats or Jim alone, doesn't want to sit, down, leave it, about turn, most of the things he's demonstrated that he knows how to do and quite well. With Jim and the cats, some of it is because he and they have finally learned to play. Problem is he gets so excited that he goes overboard, like accidentally stepping with one of his club feet on the cats tail or being too fired up when Jim plays (that's when he's liable to jump on his hips, etc). The trick is letting him play a little and then getting him to stop when he's getting overly excited.
Anyway, we had a couple of heart to hearts with him about remembering to "leave it" when we tell him to, even if he's having a real good time and about sharing. Joe didn't want to share even a half-chewed piece of his old rawhide bone with Jim, despite his having a brand new just out of the wrapper bone. Bob explained it to him and Jim was able to spend the evening wagging his tail while he chomped on a soft piece of rawhide. The new bones are too tough for his 12+ year old teeth.
Joe can learn, he still thinks that this is his ship. More times than not, it is not but he forgets. I'm hoping this is the short term to long term stuff we're dealing with this week. Will be interesting to see how he behaves tonight in class : O
Virginia
Your instructor is good. I like the way she rewards good behavior... to the trainers.
Quote from: kodydog on June 09, 2015, 08:29:28 pm
Your instructor is good. I like the way she rewards good behavior... to the trainers.
LOL, me too!
Week #5 under our belts. Next week, we are graded on our performance (yikes) and then we get diplomas/picture taking.
Got there a little early and Sheba, Great Dane, was also arriving. We went and stood in the shade together while waiting for the 6 o'clock group to break. Joe really likes Sheba. He was sooooo excited to see her walk over towards us. Too funny! We got inside and found seats. Did socialization and Joe sniffed noses with everyone except for the dog that bared its teeth at everyone last week. They saw each other and I'm not sure which one barked at the other one first but I'll be danged if that sucker didn't bare its teeth at Joe again. I think it bared its teeth at every dog again this week. So much for "No aggressive behavior will be tolerated." Though, like my SIL said, that dog probably needs it more than the rest of the dogs combined. So that gave Joe a reason to be a tad owly. He sat down great but did want to bark 3 or 4 times in the first 15 minutes. :chagrin:
It was also stifling hot in the classroom. I literally had sweat pouring off me and all the dogs were panting to beat the band. Poor things. Finally, after the break, someone went back into the Humane Society Offices and got the air turned on. Wasn't great when we left but at least it was bearable.
Joe was iffy on the basic heel walk. Wanted to get next to all the dogs we passed - that I think is because he now really likes "socialization time" and he wants to be "buds" with all of them except for the already discussed dog. So, he about tripped me a zillion times but I kept my balance and we survived. He did great on figure 8's -- we practice them after walks. After break, Michelle told us what happens next week, when we're graded. We did left and right turns on the mats, extended sit/down and I think one other exercise. Ribbons awarded for the top three dogs in scoring, then diplomas and pictures.
Joe wasn't as solid a performer as last week bit I don't think the heat helped any first half of the class, plus he now wants to play with all of his new "friends". He did great on the figure 8's plus we did the left turn/right turn thing and he was a champ on that. I told Bob when we got home that I hold no illusions about Joe being an honor grad and that's ok. I didn't sign up for the class for a ribbon. Joe would not still be with us if we hadn't gone through this class. We still have work to do but he's so much calmer overall. He & Jim are now walking around the yard like best buds. Joe likes the cats a little much for my tastes but he will grow out of that. He's mostly a good boy and will continue to improve if I continue to work with him and that's our game plan.
I may wait a cycle or two and go through the class again, just to see if Joe learns anymore. There are some things that I just haven't worked with Joe on, like "Come" off the lead for example. Not a big deal to us. I may try to get Bob to work with us on that one this week. Depends on how many boat seats I get stretched. Down to my last 2 boats. Have some pictures of part of the "Husker" boat work that I've done. Still have to finish the two back to back seats. Owner picked up the small seats/backs Sunday. Those turned out fabulously and the looks on both of their faces were priceless. Woman was fighting tears (cmon, these are boat seats, people) and the gentleman got the biggest grin on his face when he saw them. After they left, I told Bob it's moments like that that keep me in business and loving what I do. Though I did think she might have overreacted just a tad. She also said that she got goose bumps when she saw them. Really???? That's ok, beats their not being happy!
Time for another cup of coffee, shower and first walk. Heat is horrible here so we are heading out the door as early as possible. Joe and I are actually going back to the Humane Society this morning, just for a visit. We finalized MIL's affairs and received a little money. So we are making a donation to them and Joe gets to "give" it to them. Bob has been making phone calls all week about refencing the back yard to give Joe more room. Have to move some underground sprinklers as the new fence will sit directly on top of two existing lines. They came over yesterday and gave us a price. Fence people come over tomorrow. Went to Menards (local Home Depot type store) and priced fence but we would have to locate our own installers so we are going to get a bid from American Fence. Exciting to have this project started.
Virginia