No, not me…Katie and I went to doggie school tonight. In the past 8 days we’ve been in obedience classes three times. You’d think she’d be back in the swing of it. But no such luck. Tonight’s class had 20 dogs, 4 other Shelties, 4 Shepards, an Irish Setter, a Whippet, a Roti and several others that I lost track of. Katie was excited to go to school, pulling on the leash as we approached the building; but once inside she was overwhelmed by all the activity. Her focus was nonexistent, and she wasn’t tempted by treats again this week. And the one thing that I can always count on, perfect recalls, fast and straight with an immediate sit..well…she ran right past me tonight! She’s never done that before! She was, however, simply wonderful on her long sits and downs. Probably because she was afraid to move! I wish I had a picture of her sitting there next to a Mastiff, a Roti and a Shephard! She’s so tiny!
Now that we’re back home she’s fallen asleep. Upside down of course, against the back of the sofa. I tried to get a picture, but of course that made her wake up.
And now she’s a CRANKY sheltie…so I have to go!
We’ll be practicing in the driveway this week, especially on our heeling and our figure 8’s. Maybe I can get her confidence higher. And mine too.
Change Is Hard 
October 12, 2009 at 8:50 pm
That could be Jessie in the top photo 🙂 Jessie usually found doggie school pretty overwhelming too. Give it some time, she may get used to it.
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October 13, 2009 at 5:03 am
Sounds like Katie was stressed. Usually if a dog won’t take treats, it’s because they’re feeling stress. Oreo gets that way sometimes.
Dogs! They can be so wacky at times.
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October 13, 2009 at 6:51 am
Don’t worry – things will probably be different in the next class. Katie just had an off night. But if you could go to class consistently each week it might help – hard I know with your work schedule – darn work! 🙂
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October 13, 2009 at 8:09 am
I know. I wish I could go each week. For the next two Mondays nights I’m scheduled to work. So I have to work extra hard at home with her.
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October 14, 2009 at 1:10 am
I feel for you girlfriend.. .. Maisie got signed up for an obedience class, and guess what? There is a “refresher” class immediately following her class. guess who gets to go to that??? Obedience is sooooo boring.
your pal, Morgan
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October 14, 2009 at 4:55 am
I can’t imagine a sweetie like Katie ever being cranky….just time and lots of practice – hopefully she will settle down in class
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October 16, 2009 at 10:34 am
Wow! That sounds like a huge class. I think I’d be overwhelmed too. Maybe it will just take time, but if she’s not adjusting, have you considered private lessons? Sometimes, even a half hour private lesson is worth way more than a full length class. The other thing is if you know anyone in the class that Katie is comfortable with, maybe they would consider splitting a private lesson. Our Obedience trainer lets a friend and myself do that all the time. We have a great time, and we learn a lot! Just a thought.
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October 16, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Marie, what a good idea. Never thought about private lessons. 1/2 an hour is about right for her too. Hmmm….need to wait till I get through the class drop in weeks I paid for, but then, yes that is a good idea. Thanks!
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