Jaia and B'asia Going to Class! I'm so excited!

Yeah, I really wish they would have the classes somewhere inside or something. The dog park is probably the least expensive place to rent. But I agree, the smells of hundreds of other dogs is probably pretty overwhelming!

 I think they are probably better off at class than the dog park - I would echo the sentiments expressed before about the environment being chaotically full of sights and sounds.  And, for a breed that is hard-wired to keep an eye on everything...oye.  I do think that class done separately is better than putting "sibs" in the same class, so even if you don't do it this time, maybe next...

Last weeks classes were canceled because of wind, but we're going tonight.

Edit: Class went SO much better tonight! We took Jaia at the request of the trainer. We used a easy walk harness so Jaia wouldn't feel so restrained. I love that thing! DH and I both feel confident that this trainer can read Jaia and knows the best way to proceed with him. He did really well, making eye contact with a few dogs fairly close and walking around closer to the dogs than before with his attention on me. He learned to look at the other dogs, then look at me to get a treat. LOL  

*heavy sigh* 

Tomorrow night is B'asia... 

Cool beans!   Progress! Keep going! 

That is really good to hear 4iC.  I think you'll find it much more beneficial for all of you to take them separately.  Can't wait to hear more about your classes.

B'asia Report. She did SO GREAT tonight! Ack! I'm so proud of her! She lie down within 5 feet of the "control dog" and looked at him, then at me, then at him, then at me... It was great! I'm going to take the dogs (individually) out this coming week and do some work with them so that next week might be even better.

I'm so relieved and happy! 

Yay!  That is great news!  Isn't it a great feeling when the willful, independent dog starts looking to you for direction.  I am so glad you are seeing progress.  Its just going to get better and better from here on out.  Individual time and training is the key here.

Just a little update with 2 more weeks of class to go... Last night Jaia PLAYED with the target dog. They had treats together, smelled each other, Thoroughly got to know each other and even played a little! He also walked around the entire park, watching the dogs in the class. He was a Good Boy! 

This is his new friend... Sue:

That's great!  His new friend looks like a Toller?  Sounds like Jaia and you are doing great!

Be sure to sign up for next session too, sometimes you get a discount as a continuing education student. :)

Yeah, she's a Toller.

Last night, B'asia worked with Ranger, another Toller. She didn't do AS well as Jaia, but there's vast improvements! She's much calmer, no shaking and most of her barks are invitations to play and "shout outs" to the other dogs.

Self control is such a wonderful thing for dogs to learn! Yay!