This week’s class took place at a different dog park at the very north edge of Boulder. It’s a nice, pretty new one with 3 fenced areas (one for big dogs, one for not-so-big dogs, one for small dogs). Our group used the not-so-big one since it was empty. Lilly did grumble once at a dog that blew off his recall and began bounding around, but the real wake-up call was her LEAVE IT work. Those duck treats were just too much for her.
Seriously. Lilly acted like I starve her, hoovering up anything she found on the ground. Gigi had dropped a bunch of treats on the ground as a challenge. Lilly and I failed … miserably.
It’s important to note that Lilly rarely has any big breakthroughs in class. The really good learning work happens at home. At class, we practice.
But, we must look pretty convincing because a man saw me working Lilly in the parking lot before class started. We were doing some close heeling and turns and crosses. And, she was flawless. As he approached, I asked Lilly to SIT then DOWN. Then, he asked me for a business card.
We were right near Gigi’s car, which has her logo and such on it. I guess he thought I was Gigi. Quite the compliment.
As he and Gigi exchanged information, we were talking about how many people see us and say “I wish my dog was that good.”
My standard answer now? “It’s not magic. It’s hard work.”
So, we’ve been working on LEAVE IT this week. I even bought some dried duck breast treats yesterday to use. At least at home, her LEAVE IT did improve. Heck, I even got her to walk away from a window, where she was fixating on a rabbit hopping around outside. That’s pretty good.
I have a mountain of cooking and cleaning to do before the holiday, so I’d best get going. BUT, if it doesn’t snow on Sunday (which it likely will), we’ll go to class. Otherwise, we won’t … bummer. After our close call on HWY 93 on a regular snowy day, there’s no way I’m risking it on the Sunday before X-mas.
I’m working on some funny (I hope) things for next week, so I know everyone will be busy, but visit if you can.
If not, then happy holidays (whichever ones you celebrate).
P.S. Thank goodness the Winter Solstice is here. Finally … the days will start getting longer again.
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