[Maxxx]

Hi Ayoka, I do try to keep as far away from the other dogs as possible, but the ring is small. I'm assuming it's a regulation OB ring, if there is such a thing (to give you an idea of the space I'm working with). I'm usually tucked in the corner with Max's back to the other pups and that does work sometimes, but sometimes, more often now, he'll fight to turn around so he can watch the other dogs. And he'll keep fighting to turn around no matter what I do. He'll eventually face the way I'm asking him to, I don't give up on that, and after he does one command, will attempt to turn around again.

What's worse is the trainer asks one dog to perform a heel around the other dogs who are all practising the watch me command in the middle. That's how I hurt my knee. I'm thinking tonight, I'll practice watch me standing beside him, holding onto his leash. They want us to stand on the leash and hold out our arms and wave them around to create a distraction and reward when your pup's looking at you and not your hands, but Max is just too distracted by the other dog heeling and I need to hold onto the leash I'm thinking. I do want to participate in the exercises, but I'm thinking I really need to do what works for Max and not what the trainers want.

Now a horse arena would be amazing for Max!!