Better Deal?

Thursdays are our simulated obedience class. This class takes place on our walk in the "real" world. In the real world, Echo loses focus. After receiving the SIT, he will stares into space oblivious to my existence. He knows what to do, but waits for the correction or slowly lowers his hindquarters to the ground while apparently lost in a dream. DOWNs are not much better, however, he is complying with the STAY command.

The last few weeks we have taught him the FIX IT command. We set him up to be on the wrong side of a pole or tree and ask him to fix the situation. Now if he spots a pole that may be a potential issue, he will avoid getting stuck.

On our walk, Echo met about a dozen dogs and a dozen people. After our walk, Buddy got to eat dinner and rest while we took Echo to Mounds. Each thought that the other received the better deal. Echo weighed in at 43 pounds this evening.

The pet store, the hardware store, and the grocery store were all uneventful. Echo was calm and unfazed by the various new sights and sounds. His nose was working overtime near the fertilizer and meat case. He performed his SIT and DOWN much better, almost perfect - less distractions in the store.