Dog Community

Misha's first day of training (aDork)

Posted : 6/22/2008 2:16:16 PM

Today was Misha's first day of training, and luckily it was an individual make-up class because I think he would have been hysterical in the full class, especially for the first time. (We'll see how he does tomorrow...)

I never noticed how obnoxious it was to have people asking what your dog is all the time. While I was in the area, working on training, I was asked about five times. It's kind of embarrassing. I like getting compliments on him, but it can wait until after class.

Anyway, the introduction of the clicker. I think it will go well. Apparently he's better trained than the other dogs there, so we're working on his issues rather than focusing on basic obedience. We're going to work on socialization and his fearful behavior and his attention to where I am. I'm optimistic about it, and looking forward to teaching my family how to work with him so they'll quit complaining he's untrained.

brookcove

Posted : 6/22/2008 9:10:52 PM

You need a name tag for him:

"Hi! My name is Misha, and I'm a Pyr/Chow mix. And I'm a BOY!" Not because it's not clear, but because people are inattentive. Ahem. Like me.

I hope it goes well. I really got a lot out of a class I took once with my really fear aggressive dog - she was fully trained, but the other people in the class and the instructor were so nice to let us help socialize her.

TheDogHouseBCMPD

Posted : 6/23/2008 6:57:27 AM

I hope class continues to go well for you. And b/c I'm sure I didn't say it nearly enough, Misha is really gorgeous :o)

aDorkable

Posted : 6/24/2008 9:47:10 AM

He did well last night, taking treats from the trainer, letting her pet him, and even walking with her on leash. I'm even sneaking in an extra training session next week because class is canceled and I want to make sure I'm on top of things. I think the clicker is just the thing Misha needed to really hone in his training... well, that and time.

There are two other people in our class. One who didn't show up and Barkley the *le sigh* "Goldendoodle". I wanted to tell the woman that he was a nice looking poodle mix... but I thought better of it because I have to see her for another 7 weeks. Not adding to my... enthusiasm over her, she was amazed at how well-behaved Misha was being and asked if I'd done clicker training before. I again bit my tongue and didn't say "No, I just trained my dog" and instead said "No, this is the first time."

I should make Misha a little blue vest that says "Hi! My name is Mr. Misha, a Great Pyr/Chow mix, and I'm afraid of new people - so please be considerate." I almost bought him a collar that said "DO NOT PET" on either side once... but that made him seem scary.