Tonight every class had 5 or more owner/dog teams. It was great! Six newbies in Level One. I love seeing new ones starting out. I know what they will look like in 6-10 weeks if they keep it up and it is exciting. I also love Level Two-building on basics with Stay, Wait, Settle, Loose Leash Walking and more. I love Level Three because they are doing amazing things that their owners never thought they would-like backup, roll over, some Rally moves, some Obedience competion moves, better and longer Stays and Comes and some Canine Good Citizen. I also love Level Four-they are just about ready to graduate and to pass their Canine Good Citizen. Which most do. I am so proud of all my graduates. They stuck it out 20 weeks and do wonderful and amazing things. Most of all the relationship between dog and owner is so beautiful now. I urge them on to bigger and better things like Rally, Agility, Obedience Competition, Therapy Dog, Flyball dogs and more.
My daughter is on an extended stay in Neveda and it is so different living alone. Or as alone as you can be with a pack of dogs. I haven't lived alone much in 28 years. Maybe in all of my life. I came from a family of 10 kids. So you were never alone. It's wonderful, quiet and different.
The Dog Teacher
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturdays
Saturday is my puppies day. Six classes full of puppies. It is so much fun to be a part of their lives early on. And to make sure they and their owners get a great start in life. Saturdays are early, get up at 6:30am and keep going all day. Break at noon to let out my dogs, feed the diabetics and give insulin then back out for more.
I wish more people would start them this early in life. I see so many clients with problem dogs and most did not take them to puppy classes. It's sad because sometimes you can't turn them around. And even if you do, you gotta wonder how much better life would have been for everyone had they had early training. I guess people have these sweet puppies and they think of that old harsh training that trainers used to do and they don't want that done to them. They don't want their spirit broken. That's the people I want to reach. I want to tell them that it is full of learning and fun just like kindergarten for kids. We celebrate their puppy spirit-not break it. Ever.
I wish more people would start them this early in life. I see so many clients with problem dogs and most did not take them to puppy classes. It's sad because sometimes you can't turn them around. And even if you do, you gotta wonder how much better life would have been for everyone had they had early training. I guess people have these sweet puppies and they think of that old harsh training that trainers used to do and they don't want that done to them. They don't want their spirit broken. That's the people I want to reach. I want to tell them that it is full of learning and fun just like kindergarten for kids. We celebrate their puppy spirit-not break it. Ever.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Now you see it, now you don't
My new (to me) SUV is gone. My daughter totaled it May 31. Lost control and crossed the center line, went into the woods and over the embankment-only 1/4 mile from home. Now I'm in a rental car (no smoking, no pets). Car is luxurious but not my SUV that I worked so hard for. Now I just have to keep going and find another one. And she is not driving it. Ever.
Dogfest is coming up. I was looking forward to bringing Sage but not in the rental car. I'm not as excited about going since I can't bring him. Maybe me and him can catch a ride with someone.
Classes are going well, they are well attended for the most part. Especially since it's summer and everyone is busy with summer stuff. I am starting a special class for Focus and Confidence. I have handpicked 10 dogs and owners to take a trial class and provide feedback. It is generally for dogs that can't pay attention to their owners for whatever reason-fear, excitement, no respect for owner, etc..... Typically they bark at people or dogs most of the class. It will be an intense 4 week class and they must be willing to practice everyday and do exactly what I say. They have to for me to know if it will work or not.
Still tossing around the idea of a german shepherd puppy. A female to play with Sage. Only a few of my dogs will play with him. The others ignore him or scare him off. We'll see.
Dogfest is coming up. I was looking forward to bringing Sage but not in the rental car. I'm not as excited about going since I can't bring him. Maybe me and him can catch a ride with someone.
Classes are going well, they are well attended for the most part. Especially since it's summer and everyone is busy with summer stuff. I am starting a special class for Focus and Confidence. I have handpicked 10 dogs and owners to take a trial class and provide feedback. It is generally for dogs that can't pay attention to their owners for whatever reason-fear, excitement, no respect for owner, etc..... Typically they bark at people or dogs most of the class. It will be an intense 4 week class and they must be willing to practice everyday and do exactly what I say. They have to for me to know if it will work or not.
Still tossing around the idea of a german shepherd puppy. A female to play with Sage. Only a few of my dogs will play with him. The others ignore him or scare him off. We'll see.
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