First Obedience Class

[jas'smom]

Hi all, Ms Jasmine went to her first Obedience class on Monday. What an eye opener for us :p I was VERY pleased with Jas. She was nervous and a bit stressed but was still able to maintain "good attention" said our trainer. She did boof a bit at a few dogs but got over that in a short time. She did however, take exception to a VERY LARGE Irish Wolfhound in the class next to us She didn't lunge at him or anything but everytime he would walk by she would grumble under her breath a bit. After some downs and sits she seemed to forget about him and mind her own business.
Just being in class reminded me about how much I have to learn about this business The instructor felt that Jas would be good at obedience, she likes to work at anything!!, and appears to be quick to pick up most everything My concern is more about me. It seemed to me that most of the other individuals in the upper classes were young compared to me (I'm 51) While I have had experience competiting 3 Day Event Horses and am no stranger to pressure and competition, I wonder if I'm too old Jas is such a nice dog and I dont want to inhibit any chances she might have to succeed.

[Sansano]

Originally Posted by jas'smom

It seemed to me that most of the other individuals in the upper classes were young compared to me (I'm 51) While I have had experience competiting 3 Day Event Horses and am no stranger to pressure and competition, I wonder if I'm too old Jas is such a nice dog and I dont want to inhibit any chances she might have to succeed.

You are absolutely NOT too old! Dog obedience is a sport for all ages. That is why it is so great. Don't be discouraged and just continue to learn. Congrats on trying out something new.


PS. You said Jas like to work 'at anything'? Of course she does. She's a Rottweiler! :D

[jas'smom]

Originally Posted by Sansano

You are absolutely NOT too old! Dog obedience is a sport for all ages. That is why it is so great. Don't be discouraged and just continue to learn. Congrats on trying out something new.


PS. You said Jas like to work 'at anything'? Of course she does. She's a Rottweiler! :D

Thanks Mike :) that quote "she's a rottwieler" comes up alot! :D Everytime I talk to the rottie breeder next door about her or a particular behavior he always ends up saying with a grin "she's a rottweiler"

[Herr Eisenhart]

Originally Posted by jas'smom

Hi all, Ms Jasmine went to her first Obedience class on Monday. What an eye opener for us :p I was VERY pleased with Jas. She was nervous and a bit stressed but was still able to maintain "good attention" said our trainer. She did boof a bit at a few dogs but got over that in a short time. She did however, take exception to a VERY LARGE Irish Wolfhound in the class next to us She didn't lunge at him or anything but everytime he would walk by she would grumble under her breath a bit. After some downs and sits she seemed to forget about him and mind her own business.
Just being in class reminded me about how much I have to learn about this business The instructor felt that Jas would be good at obedience, she likes to work at anything!!, and appears to be quick to pick up most everything My concern is more about me. It seemed to me that most of the other individuals in the upper classes were young compared to me (I'm 51) While I have had experience competiting 3 Day Event Horses and am no stranger to pressure and competition, I wonder if I'm too old Jas is such a nice dog and I dont want to inhibit any chances she might have to succeed.

Hello,

Don't worry about age its only a number! Jas doesnt care how old you are. You are as old as you feel young. Enjoy yourself with Jas. Everyone has alot to learn in this. I don't care how long you have been in it. There is always something new to learn everyday. Don't let a silly number make you think twice. Gosh I have associates in this I talk to all the time and we are constantly learning new things in this. Some have been in this forever. But don't be niave either. I learned that the hard way. Be open minded. But also keep your own witts about you. Trust your intuition.

[papa bear's mom]

Hey Jas's Mom
I would not worry about age at all! It's just a number! I am 26 and I have my dogs in obedience and agility. I feel kind of young compared to some of the people in my classes. But who cares?! I love doing this with my dogs, and I know my dogs absolutely love it, too. Plus I just got my dad and his nine-year-old Corgi mix to take a basic obedience class with me and Belle, my germ. shepherd. He absolutely loved it and wants to do more now!! I know he felt weird coming in but then he realized that all ages are in this sport with dogs and it doesn't matter, just as long as you have fun :p Plus I think he realizes now, as I have, that it is definitely a great bonding experience with your dog. Have fun and good luck with Ms. Jasmine in obedience. I'm sure she would do well - she loves to work, huh?! Ha! I'm just finding that out about my recently adopted Rott, Papa, who I told my husband last night that he wants some sheep and a farm so he can work! My husband just looked at me and laughed and thought I was crazy. I think I was partly serious..... ;)
Take care and have lots of fun - you're never too old to do that!

[Patty1231]

Oh, gosh, you're young yet! Hey, I'm 45 - that's not that far behind you - and I just started last year. Rocco and I are in our third obedience course and, honestly, I need more work than he does! :D Just enjoy yourself and don't get all overwhelmed with any of it. There are people of all ages in my class. We all move at our own pace and are willing to help each other out with advice. Just learn and enjoy - no one said you had to get into competitions unless you want to. And, I agree, Jasmine doesn't care what your age is - you're Mommy!