Miller is going to Obedience Classes

[lotsadox]

I finally made the decision to take Miller to obedience classes. He's really doing much better about not getting so excited and out of control, but I decided that the experience of going to obedience class and the exposure to people and large dogs in a "safe" environment would be good for him. We start on Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes! I told my husband that I doubted if Miller would be the star pupil in the class and my husband said "Maybe not, but they'll remember him!" I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Hmmm..................

[blazeman]

I hope Miller proves you wrong :) He could show you and be the STAR! :)

OK... even if he isn't... I think you will all enjoy it... unless he turns out like my old keeshond... and flunks out :D

[dutchman]

When Tanner went to obedience schoold he came very close to setting a school record. When it came time to pratice teh down command just uing a slight downard tug on the leash to urge them down Tanner held out for something like 10-12 minutes before finall giving in and going down:D Oh how our shrt leg companions hate that word down.

The experience should be good for both of you. You will be able to ask the trainer a lot of genral questions and Miller will get exposed to more people and dogs. Be sure to keep informed on how things go.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[TessieMom]

Maybe Miller will actually enjoy obedience. Some rescue kids like the structure and the task to perform. Paws are crossed that he will be a star!

Rena and the Waco kids

[lotsadox]

I think that it will be a good experience. I've enjoyed the other times I took dogs to obedience. Actually, Miller may enjoy it. He responds well to structure and learning. I'll keep you posted.

[lotsadox]

I think that it will be a good experience. I've enjoyed the other times I took dogs to obedience. Actually, Miller may enjoy it. He responds well to structure and learning. I'll keep you posted.

[lotsadox]

Miller and I went to our first obedience class tonite and I was so proud of Miller. He was really good and behaved really well. He did growl at one dog a lot. He didn't seem to like him at all. He's usually good when he's not sure of himself. We'll see what he does next time when he knows what to expect and feels more confident. They showed us some really good training tips, like how to keep them from taking your fingers off to the first knuckle when you give them a treat! I'm lookiing forward to next week.

[Mark]

And please share his progress with us, Patrice. :)

[Patt]

I'm glad all went well. As for the growling at one dog I would relate it to meeting a person the first time and you don't take to them right away. I'm sure he will do very well next class. The training will be so good for Miller.

Please share all your experiences, good and bad LOL. :D

[TessieMom]

Lucy is picky about Alpha dogs at obedience school. She sticks her tail straight up and wags it and if they do the same, she growls or barks. Now that I know that, we head the other direction before she gets the growl out. Sounds like you had a good time.

Rena and the Waco crew

[dutchman]

Sounds like a good first night. Please do pass on any litle bits of genal knowledge that you think might be of benefit to the rest of us.

Tom and the boys (Framk, Tanner and Dexter)

[lotsadox]

Miller went to his third class tonight. He was really good. We've been working every morning and most afternoons or evenings. The only problem I've had is that I live on a very quiet street and I needed to get him in a situation where there were distractions. He was really good and focused at home, but had more trouble paying attention in class. Yesterday I took him to Petco and worked with him. It really helped he was much better in class. I just wish I'd thought of it earlier in the week! Tonight they put hula hoops and little raised platforms on the floor and the dogs had to walk over them or sit on them. They even had a baby gate laid down and two little jumps (6 inches or so). He was really hesitant at first but with the encouragement of pieces of hot dog, he went inside the hula hoop and sat, he went up on the platform and walked on the baby gate. He was really confused by the little jumps but learned quickly when I said "Over" he was supposed to jump! I was so proud of him. Also he healed really well (we've worked extra hard at that). He even did pretty well at the sit-stay (not his best thing). Now if we can keep this up. It's been a really good experience for him.

[Patt]

Miller is doing great! Keep up the good work, it will take time and patience which you are doing. Do you have a park in your area, he would have some distractions there, although returning to PetCo as you did is an excellent idea. Keep us posted.

[Heide]

Miller keep up the good work.
Patrice sounds like Miller is taking to the class with flying colors. I bet he enjoys the time with mom too.
I am seriously thinking of taking mine to a class also.

[lotsadox]

He does enjoy the time with mom without the other dogs. I think in multiple dogs households, the dogs appreciate the "special time" with the hoomom and nobody else even more.