Dog Training: Week 2

Last week, Justin left work about an hour early so he could get home and ride with the dogs and me to class. This worked out really well because we got to take the HOV lane and use an HOV exit that helped us avoid some nasty traffic. However, this week, he met us at Petsmart. I left a little early so I could make sure I got through traffic. While driving, some bozo decided to jump into my lane and then hit the brakes. I hit my brakes and the dog carrier tipped over and Pete and Annabelle went tumbling, too. As soon as I started driving again, which was almost immediately, the carrier righted itself and all was good. No injuries! Yay!

When we arrived at Petsmart, Justin wasn't there, yet, so I decided it would be a good idea to take the dogs inside, alone, without Justin. Probably not my best idea. I get in the backseat with the carrier and open the carrier door. I get leashes on both dogs and begin getting out of the car. I manage to drop Annabelle's leash and she takes off. I chase her through the parking lot, screaming like a mad woman. I'm also dragging Pete behind me. I am literally dragging her because she freezes up in the Petsmart parking lot and won't walk. I've dropped the bag with our supplies and my car door is wide open. I get close enough to Anne that I stomp her leash and it jerks her and she hits the ground. It was great. Good times.

Last night at class, we got to demonstrate our hard work the previous week by showing the whole class how well our dogs could look at us and sit. Annabelle did really well. We're so surprised that she isn't easily distracted by the other dogs in the class. Pete is still having some anxiety issues. We got to class about fifteen minutes early and Pete and Anne got to wander around the room and sniff. Pete explored but kept running into the glass walls.

We began learning the down command. This is to get your dog to lie down on the ground. Annabelle is getting this command. Her rear end always pops up for me, but she's going all the way down for Justin. Justin has been working on roll over with Anne so she also rolls over for me when I'm trying to get her to go down. Pete is still working on the down command. I know she'll have it in a day or so.

We also practiced walking on a leash and getting the dogs to walk beside us and not in front. All the dogs did well, with the exception on Pete. She still froze up during class and wouldn't take treats or follow commands. We had to get up and demonstrate walking in front of the class. Pete crouched down on the ground and I demonstrated how well Pete slides across the smooth floors. Robert, the teacher, separated the class and Pete and Annabelle were left in the room with one other dog (we had a fifth dog join the class this week) and Pete actually walked with me on the leash. Robert figured she would do much better with fewer dogs and if Annabelle was up walking, too. He was right! We've never had a problem with Pete trying to lead when we take walks. She is usually a step or two behind us.

We've been really pleased with the class and I should also report that our dogs aren't having accidents in the house overnight. I've been taking their food and water up several times during the day (Robert suggested this) and the accidents have stopped!