Per my training log, Fizz hasn't seen a dumbell since May 1st (doh!). I brought it with us to class on Monday night and she tried to climb up my side, to get to it. We worked a few reps of take (I think I almost lost fingers!) and then checked on grip.....yep, still firm, and still with pull against me to get it. So I put it on the floor. Fizz has only ever worked her db in the house, in our den specifically. This is by NO means a generalized behavior, but her reaction to simply seeing it in class told me I wasn't anywhere near overfacing her with it. After about 5 floor to hand pick ups, we had a big party and put it away.
Tonight, I pulled out my borrowed book and checked in on what was next: hold. This is the one step that I had trouble with Froli...and the whole reason I learned about clickers in my training many years ago. Even verbal praise from me generated enough excitement in Frol that she got chewy.......so I went to calm/neutral marking via the clicker.
First I checked Fizz's response to my hands on top/bottom of her muzzle. It's not a grab, it's not holding the dog by its face, or any kind of pushing in on gums. Simply gently holding the upper/lower jaws, if dog chooses to pull back, they pull back, no big deal. She turned her head to an angle the first two times, and then just sat there while I "held" her. Praise/reward (food).
Next, I brought the db back into the picture and worked several takes/outs with her, having very nice committed grips. As soon as I started trying to work the hold, she wanted to spit the db to get the food in my hand. In trying to work with the method exactly as written, I chose to work through this tonight. I held the db, held her muzzle, and had a single piece of food in my fingers. I did get 3 or 4 good holds with a committed grip, but otherwise, she was trying to get the food in my fingers.
Currently, when I ask for a take, the food isn't on me at all. Its in a bowl, sitting somewhere nearby. We will try holds again tomorrow, and I will have no food in my hand, but instead, in the bowl as she knows and see if we can get more settled holds, closer together. I think that was the root of our issues tonight, the food being right in my hand.
However, all that said, I'm very happy to see how eager she is for the db after a 2 month layoff from it, and to see how positive her association is with it. Once the hold and deliver to hand are solid, we'll start bringing the db with us many places and work on generalizing the behavior.
Fizz is a really fun puppy and I'm enjoying the journey of our training adventures! :)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Know the rules
We failed. Again. And the greatest failure/frustration is mine, in that apparently, I'm completely unaware of the standards for the CGC these days. One tight leash anywhere = fail. I was unaware that the CGC holds higher standards than either Rally or Novice obedience. I owe Fizz an apology for misunderstanding the test, and for entering her before she was ready. The failure is mine, completely.
Fizz did a much better job on all stations. She sat while the friendly stranger approached, shook hands and talked. The stranger left, Fizz stood, I told her to sit, and she did. She failed, b/c she didn't maintain her sit. I was surprised to see this 'fail' b/c she did sit the whole time we were greeting. For greeting the stranger, in which the stranger pets the dog, she was perfectly behaved, and equally so for the grooming/foot/ear inspection.
On out for a walk, we were fine through most of the heeling pattern. Good attention, a nice right turn and a perfect sit on the halt. In one corner, some sort of smell grabbed her nose. She had a tight leash, I called her to come with me, she did and we finished up with a great about turn, 2 more lefts and a fantastic halt at the end. We failed b/c of the single tight leash. You can earn a CD leg w/ tight leash....you lose points, but you don't fail. I find this aspect of the way CGC's are being administered absurd. One tight leash does not an out of control dog make. But apparently them's the rules (and I wasn't aware of their stringent nature).
Sit and down on command were fine, as was the 'stay,' and the come when called. I even got a nice straight come with front sit (we've sort of been working on that). :)
Crowd with distraction was fine, even though they were bouncing a giant exercise ball, I was able to keep her with me and moving on (I know she was dying to play with that ball!). The two dogs that I 'helped' with, by being part of the crowd, did not have that ball.
Greeting another dog. Fizz sat, held her position and we exchanged pleasantries. As we went to leave, Fizz crossed in front of me and we failed. She didn't get anywhere, I had her on a very short leash, and she didn't greet the handler or dog, but the fact that she even approached = fail.
I was very happy with the improvement in Fizz's behavior/performance. She gave me some lovely heeling on the walk, held her sits when I asked her to, and was a good girl around the other dog and the big bouncing ball.
We will not be re-attempting the CGC anytime soon. I was unaware that I need a fully obedience trained dog to pass this test. In the past, that is NOT how they've been administered (I've put CGCs on 6 dogs, never with a failure). However, the standards have apparently changed, and now I clearly understand them. I do not have the money to take CGC prep classes (they're offered around here....for $150-180). I don't have the money to do $25/wk drop in classes to practice greeting other dogs (and not the same dogs we always see in class).
In the past, I have tested all of my dogs between 7 and 9mos of age. They've been judged on their temperament, their behavior and the level of control they demonstrate (to handler). Because THAT is the standard of the CGC that I've known since I did my first one in Dec of 1996, that is why I entered Fizz in April, and now. For April, we were ill-prepared. For today, for the standards of testing that I've known for the past 16yrs, we were ready. I am disappointed in myself for not understanding the rules of the game and for setting her up for failure. We will not be attempting this again any time soon, as our heeling is not formalized, and I don't see how you can pass these days without competition ready heeling.
Fizz did a much better job on all stations. She sat while the friendly stranger approached, shook hands and talked. The stranger left, Fizz stood, I told her to sit, and she did. She failed, b/c she didn't maintain her sit. I was surprised to see this 'fail' b/c she did sit the whole time we were greeting. For greeting the stranger, in which the stranger pets the dog, she was perfectly behaved, and equally so for the grooming/foot/ear inspection.
On out for a walk, we were fine through most of the heeling pattern. Good attention, a nice right turn and a perfect sit on the halt. In one corner, some sort of smell grabbed her nose. She had a tight leash, I called her to come with me, she did and we finished up with a great about turn, 2 more lefts and a fantastic halt at the end. We failed b/c of the single tight leash. You can earn a CD leg w/ tight leash....you lose points, but you don't fail. I find this aspect of the way CGC's are being administered absurd. One tight leash does not an out of control dog make. But apparently them's the rules (and I wasn't aware of their stringent nature).
Sit and down on command were fine, as was the 'stay,' and the come when called. I even got a nice straight come with front sit (we've sort of been working on that). :)
Crowd with distraction was fine, even though they were bouncing a giant exercise ball, I was able to keep her with me and moving on (I know she was dying to play with that ball!). The two dogs that I 'helped' with, by being part of the crowd, did not have that ball.
Greeting another dog. Fizz sat, held her position and we exchanged pleasantries. As we went to leave, Fizz crossed in front of me and we failed. She didn't get anywhere, I had her on a very short leash, and she didn't greet the handler or dog, but the fact that she even approached = fail.
I was very happy with the improvement in Fizz's behavior/performance. She gave me some lovely heeling on the walk, held her sits when I asked her to, and was a good girl around the other dog and the big bouncing ball.
We will not be re-attempting the CGC anytime soon. I was unaware that I need a fully obedience trained dog to pass this test. In the past, that is NOT how they've been administered (I've put CGCs on 6 dogs, never with a failure). However, the standards have apparently changed, and now I clearly understand them. I do not have the money to take CGC prep classes (they're offered around here....for $150-180). I don't have the money to do $25/wk drop in classes to practice greeting other dogs (and not the same dogs we always see in class).
In the past, I have tested all of my dogs between 7 and 9mos of age. They've been judged on their temperament, their behavior and the level of control they demonstrate (to handler). Because THAT is the standard of the CGC that I've known since I did my first one in Dec of 1996, that is why I entered Fizz in April, and now. For April, we were ill-prepared. For today, for the standards of testing that I've known for the past 16yrs, we were ready. I am disappointed in myself for not understanding the rules of the game and for setting her up for failure. We will not be attempting this again any time soon, as our heeling is not formalized, and I don't see how you can pass these days without competition ready heeling.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Recallers saved me $46.50
Yesterday was the consummate 'perfect' summer day: sunny, warm bordering on hot, and when you're out in it all day....it tends to make thinking less than optimal. We were at the Mason's Grandmaster's Fair for the day in Charlton. It was just lovely, kids had a blast and we came home ready to rehydrate and rejuvinate.
I let the dogs out individually to potty, hit the grocery store, and then came home to find hubby/kids still at the local lake cooling off. Perfect time to go for a quick run before working on dinner. By the time I got back in, it was around 6:30. Vik was still loose in the house as I'd left her, and Fizz was chillin' in her crate. While I was prepping dinner, Fizz started squeaking. She's on the recovery side of a UTI, so I didn't let her languish for too long before sending her outside.
Having all the green beans picked and the salsa chopped and flavors melding, I thought it would be a good time to get the chickens out to free-range a bit. Typically, they come out in the evening after the dogs have had time to be out and running about. As it gets dark, they put themselves away in the pen (or even up into the coop) and then we close them for the night.
I grabbed a small handful of kibble, and called Fizz through the open screen door. My normal voice, my normal call, nothing special. At that point, hubby shouts "the chickens are already out!!" Epic fail in household communication now coming to light. And Fizz has been outside for at least 20min, with chickens. This is the moment when you're torn between the dead sprint to assess the damage and wanting to hide under the covers and wish it all away.
Meanwhile, Fizz, who went through Susan Garrett's brilliant Recallers class as a very young puppy, came at a dead run to the first call I'd given her. Not knowing that chickens were loose, or the emergent situation present, I had simply called her. Once. And she came, at a dead run, tail up, happy to see me (and NOT a feather or blood spot on her!). She's currently 9.5mos old.....in the "teenage" period where some trainers claim that dogs become less responsive, more wanting to check out their environment and surroundings. Thankfully, we have relationship to pull us through that!
After I got Fizz put away, with HUGE praises from me for coming, and her kibble rained into the top of her wire crate for a fun game of 'get it!'......I went to assess the damage. The Bigs were just coming out of their side of the pen, none looking worried or trying to huddle/hide (as they did for days after the hawk got into the pen and killed one). Quick count of 5 (correct number!) and no obvious piles of feathers.......they seemed ok, and not traumatized.
Where were the Littles??? None in sight, and couldn't hear them. But since none were evident, I figured they must be hiding somewhere together........and hopefully still numbered 5. As I circled the koi pond garden I started seeing movement under the bird-planted sunflowers. 2 Wyandottes......1 black sex-link. So far, 3 of 5. The Araucuna soon showed up, and then there was only one black sex-link to find. She was apparently off on her own adventure and came to see me when I called "chick chick!" YAY!!!! All 10 chickens accounted for, no one seeming traumatized or missing feathers. Truly, I was in disbelief at how well this had turned out.
Recallers is so much more than teaching your dog to 'come.' It's about relationship. It's about trust, about being a team together. A dog learns self restraint through "It's Yer Choice," and not to simply self-serve rewards when available. I am ever-thankful to Susan for this amazing class, and beyond a doubt, I think that it saved my chickens (whom we sum-total paid $46.50 for). Fizz has lots of prey drive, its what I like in my working dogs, and what I hoped for when I chose her pedigree/breeding/litter. Fizz has recently demonstrated very strong herding instinct. In learning from various judges and instructors, the ability to call a dog off stock is based in large part on relationship..........between handler and dog. Recallers has given us relationship in spades!!!
For any who are interested in the class, I can't recommend it highly enough. You'll learn insight into the hows/whys of training, and gain so much more than just 'come.' You will build a strong relationship, and show the dog the value of correct choices. And I will continue to look forward to our first batch of "homegrown" eggs!! :) :) :)
I let the dogs out individually to potty, hit the grocery store, and then came home to find hubby/kids still at the local lake cooling off. Perfect time to go for a quick run before working on dinner. By the time I got back in, it was around 6:30. Vik was still loose in the house as I'd left her, and Fizz was chillin' in her crate. While I was prepping dinner, Fizz started squeaking. She's on the recovery side of a UTI, so I didn't let her languish for too long before sending her outside.
Having all the green beans picked and the salsa chopped and flavors melding, I thought it would be a good time to get the chickens out to free-range a bit. Typically, they come out in the evening after the dogs have had time to be out and running about. As it gets dark, they put themselves away in the pen (or even up into the coop) and then we close them for the night.
I grabbed a small handful of kibble, and called Fizz through the open screen door. My normal voice, my normal call, nothing special. At that point, hubby shouts "the chickens are already out!!" Epic fail in household communication now coming to light. And Fizz has been outside for at least 20min, with chickens. This is the moment when you're torn between the dead sprint to assess the damage and wanting to hide under the covers and wish it all away.
Meanwhile, Fizz, who went through Susan Garrett's brilliant Recallers class as a very young puppy, came at a dead run to the first call I'd given her. Not knowing that chickens were loose, or the emergent situation present, I had simply called her. Once. And she came, at a dead run, tail up, happy to see me (and NOT a feather or blood spot on her!). She's currently 9.5mos old.....in the "teenage" period where some trainers claim that dogs become less responsive, more wanting to check out their environment and surroundings. Thankfully, we have relationship to pull us through that!
After I got Fizz put away, with HUGE praises from me for coming, and her kibble rained into the top of her wire crate for a fun game of 'get it!'......I went to assess the damage. The Bigs were just coming out of their side of the pen, none looking worried or trying to huddle/hide (as they did for days after the hawk got into the pen and killed one). Quick count of 5 (correct number!) and no obvious piles of feathers.......they seemed ok, and not traumatized.
Where were the Littles??? None in sight, and couldn't hear them. But since none were evident, I figured they must be hiding somewhere together........and hopefully still numbered 5. As I circled the koi pond garden I started seeing movement under the bird-planted sunflowers. 2 Wyandottes......1 black sex-link. So far, 3 of 5. The Araucuna soon showed up, and then there was only one black sex-link to find. She was apparently off on her own adventure and came to see me when I called "chick chick!" YAY!!!! All 10 chickens accounted for, no one seeming traumatized or missing feathers. Truly, I was in disbelief at how well this had turned out.
Recallers is so much more than teaching your dog to 'come.' It's about relationship. It's about trust, about being a team together. A dog learns self restraint through "It's Yer Choice," and not to simply self-serve rewards when available. I am ever-thankful to Susan for this amazing class, and beyond a doubt, I think that it saved my chickens (whom we sum-total paid $46.50 for). Fizz has lots of prey drive, its what I like in my working dogs, and what I hoped for when I chose her pedigree/breeding/litter. Fizz has recently demonstrated very strong herding instinct. In learning from various judges and instructors, the ability to call a dog off stock is based in large part on relationship..........between handler and dog. Recallers has given us relationship in spades!!!
For any who are interested in the class, I can't recommend it highly enough. You'll learn insight into the hows/whys of training, and gain so much more than just 'come.' You will build a strong relationship, and show the dog the value of correct choices. And I will continue to look forward to our first batch of "homegrown" eggs!! :) :) :)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
More than just vegtiddles!
James has finally progressed from saying 'vegtiddles' to 'vegetables,' but I think his initial pronunciation will always be in my head. :)
We went to a local Farmer's market this a.m., my first and of course, Fizz came along. What a wonderful place for a happy puppy!!! We worked on loose-leash walking, not playing with dogs, not rushing to greet, and sits and downs. As we get further in our training, this will be an awesome place to do sit (and eventually, stand) for exam.
The set up is two rows of canopies, with various farmers/vendors set up. Upon our arrival about 20min after the opening, there were roughly 50 people milling about. Also present, 2 Labs, one was chocolate, on a harness and jumping/barking and really carrying on. Of *course,* Fizz, who is quite fluent in "I play!" thought that looked just wonderful. What put a big smile on my face was her first look at that dog, and the quick head snap back to me. GOOD girlie!! Lots of treats for that one. As we approached the dog, it saw Fizz and was doing all it could to play (this looks like a much older dog, starting to grey in many places). She did hit the end of the 1ft of leash she had to work with, but I stopped, she repositioned and we moved on past, on a loose line.
The 'yellow' (white?!) Lab came to see us, after we'd spent some time visiting with her 2 young girls (maybe 7 and 5?). I backed up Fizz and said that we weren't greeting, due to an upcoming test, and needing to be behaved and 'not playing with all dogs.' The owner was very gracious and immediately put his dog in a sit, and Fizz maintained one next to me. The two dogs were about 10ft apart. Again, lots of rewards. :)
In our wanderings, we met lots of kids, several elderly adults, a few people in big hats, and many with delicious smelling drinks/edibles in hand. Fizz was exemplary in her greetings, sitting and not fussing at the food. VERY happy with my girlie! A story was being read to kids sitting on a quilt, including my two. Put Fizz in a down a few feet back (so as not to worry any who have breed prejudice issues), and listened to the story. She didn't even consider the Mom who was feeding her 2yr old son a HUGE muffin, not a second glance. The one thing that caught her eye was an unclipped Border Terrier racing about on the end of its leash.....it did look like a toy!
Final excitement before leaving was the passing commuter rail train (7 cars plus engine). James of course was stoked to see a train, so we were plastered to the protective chainlink fence, and could feel the breeze given off as the train sped past, not more than 20ft away. Fizz was not bothered by the noise, or the size of it (or the horn blasting)......but I think her ears told me that prey drive was turning on. The LAST thing I need is a train-chasing dog, eek!! Despite her increased interest/drive, she maintained her sit.
Looking forward to more visits through out this summer and future ones to come. What an AWESOME place to work training, especially things like sit/stand for exam, gloves, article discrimination (as well as heeling and stays). There's a different market on Fridays that we're hoping to check out this coming Friday. The more ability to generalize behaviors and expectations, the better behaved my dog will be. :)
We went to a local Farmer's market this a.m., my first and of course, Fizz came along. What a wonderful place for a happy puppy!!! We worked on loose-leash walking, not playing with dogs, not rushing to greet, and sits and downs. As we get further in our training, this will be an awesome place to do sit (and eventually, stand) for exam.
The set up is two rows of canopies, with various farmers/vendors set up. Upon our arrival about 20min after the opening, there were roughly 50 people milling about. Also present, 2 Labs, one was chocolate, on a harness and jumping/barking and really carrying on. Of *course,* Fizz, who is quite fluent in "I play!" thought that looked just wonderful. What put a big smile on my face was her first look at that dog, and the quick head snap back to me. GOOD girlie!! Lots of treats for that one. As we approached the dog, it saw Fizz and was doing all it could to play (this looks like a much older dog, starting to grey in many places). She did hit the end of the 1ft of leash she had to work with, but I stopped, she repositioned and we moved on past, on a loose line.
The 'yellow' (white?!) Lab came to see us, after we'd spent some time visiting with her 2 young girls (maybe 7 and 5?). I backed up Fizz and said that we weren't greeting, due to an upcoming test, and needing to be behaved and 'not playing with all dogs.' The owner was very gracious and immediately put his dog in a sit, and Fizz maintained one next to me. The two dogs were about 10ft apart. Again, lots of rewards. :)
In our wanderings, we met lots of kids, several elderly adults, a few people in big hats, and many with delicious smelling drinks/edibles in hand. Fizz was exemplary in her greetings, sitting and not fussing at the food. VERY happy with my girlie! A story was being read to kids sitting on a quilt, including my two. Put Fizz in a down a few feet back (so as not to worry any who have breed prejudice issues), and listened to the story. She didn't even consider the Mom who was feeding her 2yr old son a HUGE muffin, not a second glance. The one thing that caught her eye was an unclipped Border Terrier racing about on the end of its leash.....it did look like a toy!
Final excitement before leaving was the passing commuter rail train (7 cars plus engine). James of course was stoked to see a train, so we were plastered to the protective chainlink fence, and could feel the breeze given off as the train sped past, not more than 20ft away. Fizz was not bothered by the noise, or the size of it (or the horn blasting)......but I think her ears told me that prey drive was turning on. The LAST thing I need is a train-chasing dog, eek!! Despite her increased interest/drive, she maintained her sit.
Looking forward to more visits through out this summer and future ones to come. What an AWESOME place to work training, especially things like sit/stand for exam, gloves, article discrimination (as well as heeling and stays). There's a different market on Fridays that we're hoping to check out this coming Friday. The more ability to generalize behaviors and expectations, the better behaved my dog will be. :)
Friday, June 22, 2012
Men in hats
I was going to title this post "We gave Fizz away today" and head it up with the photo of Fizz and Jeff...........it was sooo tempting! :) But that wouldn't have been very nice. :P
We ran errands this a.m. and came home to find a tree cutting crew, including a large crane, right outside the house. This was VERY exciting for the kids, and it soon dawned on me that this was a great training opportunity. Loud things, unexpected crashes as limbs fell, odd smells, BIG huge trucks moving about, men in hats, gloves, goggles, etc. Why miss out on a training opportunity????
Got Fizz out and worked a bit of short heeling, focus on me, and then sits and downs. Downs became VERY difficult as the kids ate PB&J sandwhiches (this cool event rated a 'bottom of the driveway' picnic!). All of my dogs are peanut butter junkies, to the Nth degree.
After our 'work,' Fizz just hung out with the kids, relaxing and enjoying the show, despite our blazing heat. And of course, who could pass up the opportunity to have a good stick chew when bits of tree are flying about??
I was able to spend some time talking to the officer working the detail, and it turns out he used to train K9's in the nearby town. He knows the Billings, Kenny Ballinger, and a host of other people from my former life in Working dogs. We had a great time chatting.......had to laugh about Jagermeister in the live blind....ah the memories! :)
Fizz was not bothered at all by any of the men, wiggled and wagged to meet everyone of them, no matter what they had on their heads, eyes or hands. I was very thankful that she didn't think Jeff's beautiful white gloves meant "game on!" :) :)
Every day presents us with new training opportunities, ability to socialize and just add yet another thing to the list of "oh yeah, that's just life." I'm so thankful to the trainers in my life who have opened my eyes to this way of thinking, and encouraged me to seize such opportunities. THANK YOU! :)
We ran errands this a.m. and came home to find a tree cutting crew, including a large crane, right outside the house. This was VERY exciting for the kids, and it soon dawned on me that this was a great training opportunity. Loud things, unexpected crashes as limbs fell, odd smells, BIG huge trucks moving about, men in hats, gloves, goggles, etc. Why miss out on a training opportunity????
Got Fizz out and worked a bit of short heeling, focus on me, and then sits and downs. Downs became VERY difficult as the kids ate PB&J sandwhiches (this cool event rated a 'bottom of the driveway' picnic!). All of my dogs are peanut butter junkies, to the Nth degree.
I was able to spend some time talking to the officer working the detail, and it turns out he used to train K9's in the nearby town. He knows the Billings, Kenny Ballinger, and a host of other people from my former life in Working dogs. We had a great time chatting.......had to laugh about Jagermeister in the live blind....ah the memories! :)
Every day presents us with new training opportunities, ability to socialize and just add yet another thing to the list of "oh yeah, that's just life." I'm so thankful to the trainers in my life who have opened my eyes to this way of thinking, and encouraged me to seize such opportunities. THANK YOU! :)
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Herding Instinct Testing
Fizz and I travelled to central Connecticut today to test her on sheep at an AKC Herding Instinct Test, held by NESA (Northeast Stockdog Assoc). What a day it was!! Gorgeous 75 degree, sunny day, with a light breeze to keep bugs away, and no humidity.
There were 2 tests, with 2 different judges. In order to earn the HIT, one needs 2 legs under different judges. Test #1 was in the a.m., and Test #2 was in the afternoon. Fizz had a blast with the sheep!!! Herding is definitely in our future.....she loves it, and I'm fascinated watching a dog do something that is in every fiber of their being.
Fizz showed me a strong desire to be with the sheep, but also a nice responsiveness to my handling and guidance (what little there was in this test). She sat when asked, willingly changed directions, and was not hellbent on eating sheep. Instead, she was happily driving them, and willing to calmly (and with nice focus) walk up on them when they were stuck in a corner and staring her down.
Video from Test #1:
Herding Instinct Test #1
Between the two tests, we enjoyed playing with many breeds of dogs, and seeing several herding breeds whose faces hide behind fur/hair. Awesome socializing experience! We worked on obedience, learning to get in the kiddie pool, and recalls from play. We also worked on some loose-leash walking, and 'not greeting' strangers, in practice for our upcoming CGC re-attempt. :)
Shortly before Test #2, we were playing with a 6mos Briard puppy, and Fizz was a bit more winded than I should have allowed as we came to the test. They kept the afternoon assessment very short, due to the heat (in consideration of both stock and dogs). The judge was releasing teams as soon as she saw what she needed to see.
We ended up with the same set of sheep for both tests, though they were rotating through 3 regular groups, and a 4th came in at the end of Test #2. She was quite happy to be back in there, and the down is something she offered, not something I asked for. :)
Friday, June 8, 2012
Real life CGC
Tonight, we're enjoying the Green Mountain State. Took Fizz quickly, upon our arrival, to the center of town, walked a circle around a traffic light....and came back to where we're staying. After I had time to get some dinner, and get the kids to bed, decided we should take a spin through Ludlow.
Again, we crossed the swollen Blackriver, rushing hard under the bridge. Very visual, very loud.......and she wasn't bothered by it. As we rounded the corner and headed down main street, our leash was loose. I can't tell you how thrilled I am with her! I had maybe 10 pieces of Natl Balance roll on me, and occasionally rewarded her, but for the most part, we just went for a nice loose-leash stroll.
As we neared the end of 'town,' there was a large, loud, group of teenagers gathered on a boulder. So of course, we headed across the street, at a 90 degree approach. No one seemed to pay us any attention, nor did I see any of the gals wanting to see the 'cute puppy,' so we skirted around. As we came back to the sidewalk, a guy who was easily 6'5" came up behind us, yelling back to his friends, altered..........er..........aroma ......... you can guess. Two skate-boards swinging in his hands, and nearly nailed her in the butt with one.
Not ONCE did she give him a second thought, nor any hint of suspicion. Next up: the guy leaning into/against his car, at rather a tilt, and not looking quite, erm, sober. Perfect! Guy?? What guy?? Loose-leashed right past him. GOOD girl!
Finally our biggest challenges: two groups of people who REALLY wanted to meet her. The first was a small group, 4 people. She was good and waited for me to send her. The second group........she hit the end of the leash and went right to see them. BUT!!! Despite the fact that half of this group (actually, the male of each couple) was holding 'doggie bags,' she did NOT go to see one of them! One of them even had spare ribs. YAY!!!! She was SO happy to see women who were ecstatic to see her. Two comments just went to my heart: 1. "Where do you train? She's wonderful!" and even more so..... 2. LOOK at her smiling!!! She's so friendly and happy, she SMILES! To have people view a Rottweiler as happy and smiling (which truly, this dog is!)......oh it just made me burst with happiness!! :)
YAY Fizz!!!!!!!! I just ADORE this puppy!!! So confident, so happy, so outgoing, and so trusting in our relationship. To go somewhere so different than anything she's used to, at night, after a long car ride (another new experience) and take it all in stride like nothing......just LOVE it! So looking forward to the road ahead of us, and glad she's taking me along for the ride! :)
Thank you to Erika and Laurie for an AMAZING puppy, and to Esther for building and encouraging us. So much is yet to come! :)
Again, we crossed the swollen Blackriver, rushing hard under the bridge. Very visual, very loud.......and she wasn't bothered by it. As we rounded the corner and headed down main street, our leash was loose. I can't tell you how thrilled I am with her! I had maybe 10 pieces of Natl Balance roll on me, and occasionally rewarded her, but for the most part, we just went for a nice loose-leash stroll.
As we neared the end of 'town,' there was a large, loud, group of teenagers gathered on a boulder. So of course, we headed across the street, at a 90 degree approach. No one seemed to pay us any attention, nor did I see any of the gals wanting to see the 'cute puppy,' so we skirted around. As we came back to the sidewalk, a guy who was easily 6'5" came up behind us, yelling back to his friends, altered..........er..........aroma ......... you can guess. Two skate-boards swinging in his hands, and nearly nailed her in the butt with one.
Not ONCE did she give him a second thought, nor any hint of suspicion. Next up: the guy leaning into/against his car, at rather a tilt, and not looking quite, erm, sober. Perfect! Guy?? What guy?? Loose-leashed right past him. GOOD girl!
Finally our biggest challenges: two groups of people who REALLY wanted to meet her. The first was a small group, 4 people. She was good and waited for me to send her. The second group........she hit the end of the leash and went right to see them. BUT!!! Despite the fact that half of this group (actually, the male of each couple) was holding 'doggie bags,' she did NOT go to see one of them! One of them even had spare ribs. YAY!!!! She was SO happy to see women who were ecstatic to see her. Two comments just went to my heart: 1. "Where do you train? She's wonderful!" and even more so..... 2. LOOK at her smiling!!! She's so friendly and happy, she SMILES! To have people view a Rottweiler as happy and smiling (which truly, this dog is!)......oh it just made me burst with happiness!! :)
YAY Fizz!!!!!!!! I just ADORE this puppy!!! So confident, so happy, so outgoing, and so trusting in our relationship. To go somewhere so different than anything she's used to, at night, after a long car ride (another new experience) and take it all in stride like nothing......just LOVE it! So looking forward to the road ahead of us, and glad she's taking me along for the ride! :)
Thank you to Erika and Laurie for an AMAZING puppy, and to Esther for building and encouraging us. So much is yet to come! :)
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