Hannah started a new class last night

[miccmill]

A new session of Basic Obedience started for us last night.

She's got the basic part of obedience down good so we're taking advantage of the people and dog exposure.

I put myself near the door last night where people and dogs were coming in and people continued to come and go. This ended up being a good thing, I think.
She was very nervous at first but I saw a significant reduction in her nervousness as time went on. Of course, her favorite class assistant was there and came over to visit frequently (with treats).

I gave her the whole leash and she did venture out a few times but didn't poke her nose in any other dogs business or threaten people. I was really pleased with that because most other dogs were busy being nosy and yelling at each other. She returned to me right away if I called and without a leash correction.

The trainer and class assistants, knowing her, made frequent visits to chat with me and she was perfect. Sat by my side and didn't say anything to them. She was rewarded for this so near the end of class she would look at someone approaching with that "Got food?" look instead of ears down, look away, fear.

I think this new position at the door is going to get us a lot of visitors and since the visitors all know what they're doing, it could be a good thing.

The other dogs, whew......Jack Russell Terrier - Boing, Boing, Boing.
Beagle - AHWOOOO. Black Lab - lemme go, lemme go, run, gotta run......
It was exhausting just watching.

[flyballmom]

Good girl Hannah!! Sounds like you two had a very productive first night!!

[miccmill]

Another thing about Hannah is her face. She has this sweet kind of mournful look on her face half the time that inspires endless people to want to lean over and talk right to her face

I'm the fastest person on two feet intersepting these "greetings".

I love that I don't have to watch out for that in class and it's so much less pressure on her.

[Judi W]

I suspect that next year we are going to see you getting in gear to slap some CD letters after her name. Keep up the good work.

[natesmom14]

Originally Posted by miccmill

Another thing about Hannah is her face. She has this sweet kind of mournful look on her face half the time that inspires endless people to want to lean over and talk right to her face
.

Why on earth do people feel that is acceptable to do??? I had one mom who had no problems with her boys doing that to Nikki when we were out one day- they tried to get RIGHT DOWN in her face. I had to be the one to tell them (as I'm backing away) "Please don't do that. It's not safe to put your face in a strange dog's face- you could get bitten."

On a positive note- good girl, Hannah! Glad class went so well!

[Cash]

Originally Posted by miccmill

She's got the basic part of obedience down good so we're taking advantage of the people and dog exposure.

Good on ya! The distractions - alone - of a class setting offer a lot to learn from. I hope you are proud of yourself and your girl for tackling hurdles and having fun along the way.

[miccmill]

"Please don't do that. It's not safe to put your face in a strange dog's face- you could get bitten."

Our trainer spent a few minutes explaining to the class the correct way to approach a dog, any dog, let alone a fearful dog. He demonstrated the best way to get bit in the face by leaning over an imaginary dog and talking to it square in the face.

I suspect that next year we are going to see you getting in gear to slap some CD letters after her name. Keep up the good work.

Judi, I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more considering I never thought anything like that would be possible for her.

I hope you are proud of yourself and your girl for tackling hurdles and having fun along the way.

I am indeed. She's not completly convinced that going to class is a wonderful thing but she thinks leaving the building at the end is a big reward.

[debbiej]

wow, Hannah has come a long way! Congratulations to you, that's wonderful.