I decided Katie needs to go back to school.  She’s out of control and doesn’t listen to me at all.  I think she needs more structure in her life.  Plus she used to love going to school.  So, given my random work schedule, I found an obedience class that allows us to drop in on the Monday evenings that I’m not working.  Tonight was our first night.  New building, 14 other dogs, most new to her, different smells, sounds…it was all a bit intimidating!

She reverted a bit to her initial school behavior of refusing treats.  That worked out fine though, she THOUGHT she wanted a treat so she pretty much did as I asked, but when she earned a treat she held it in her mouth and then spit it out.  Apparently the stress of being in school again.  I remember when I first took her to school, they thought she wasn’t motivated by food!  HA!   And like previous classes, she has a 45 minute attention span.  Then she’s just DONE.  And isn’t afraid to express her feelings either!

The best part though?  We did “stand for exam” where she’s supposed to stand from a sit, then let me walk away from her and allow a complete stranger (the judge or teacher) to walk up to her, pet her and move away, and she can’t move her feet at all!  She has never never never succeeded at that.  Either she won’t stand, or she shys away from anyone walking up to her, or if she knows the person, she jumps on them in happy greeting.  Tonight she was perfect!  She stood when asked…and let TWO strangers walk up to her and pet her without moving her feet!  I think she was just scared, but I’ll take it!

GOOD DOG!