Drake's Training

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Sorry I didnt post earlier, but I was sick yesterday and in bed all day long.

Drake and I went to our "refresher" obedience training class for the first time. Drake had a good time and I think it went well. The trianer only observed us playing and interacting. He said that would help him evaluate what Drake & I need to work on. He said that Drake was well socialized and that he thought that most of the problem was coming from me not being firm enough (wierd, coz I am a very firm person in my job and in my relationships with people; I turn to jello with Drake!). As to the part of him being jealous when I play with other dogs is Drake being protective and that by the time the training was done, Drake should be able to cope with me playing with other dogs.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Hi Souraya,
Hope you are feeling better! I'm really glad to hear the trainer will be able to help Drake realize he is still top dog even though you pet other pups.

When it comes to my pups I turn to jello too! They just have a way of making my heart melt. I think they call it puppy love

[karen israel]

Hey! Souraya!..Join the crowd! I had to go to puppy school for ME, not the dog! During our first heel session, Cody walked in front of me and I bumped into him and apologized and the trainer read me the Riot Act! I told her that I even apologize to chairs when I ram into them!!!! Continue the great work!

[carrie]

Good work!
I hope you are feeling better now? Typical to do something that is really good and constructive and then feel like pooh the next day, isn't it? That isn't how it's supposed to work, I'm sure of it!!
Sounds like you have found someone who makes sense to you and has Drake pretty well sussed out. That is great and I hope you will keep us to date with what you get up to.

[Daisy's Mom]

I hope you're feeling better! I bet you are so glad that Drake's little problems will be all gone soon! We hired Daisy a 'personal trainer' who came to our house once a week and helped curb her little nipping problem when she was a baby. In the end, you really will be so much happier, and so will your dog!

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Thank you for your posts. I have been a lot firmer with Drake and I can see the difference. This morning Andrew had to get up at 4:30 to pick his mother up from the airport and usually if one of us gets up earlier than the other, Drake barks, howls,a nd scratches the door till we let out, then he wants to come inside. (in and out and in and out!) I didn't let him out and assertively told him to lay down and that he wasn't going anywhere. We both woke up at 7 without any interuptions! I was so happy. I have to keep it up though.

[yorkster]

I totally understand how you can be firm with the people in your life, but not so with animals- I am the same way. It's just so darn easy to turn to mush over them! I too am starting dog obedience next week, and it is more for me than my dog!

[karen israel]

Tell me about it! It's still tough after almost 10 years! But you are so right, when I don't give in to bad behavior and defend my alpha position ( again)things go much smoother, altho I do feel guilty sometimes when I get "the Look" with those eyes! I have to keep reminding myself who's boss!!!