Jekyl and Hyde

At our Monday Dog Den training class, we played "Musical Sit". It was similar to musical chairs, but rather than sitting in a chair when the music stopped, your dog had to sit. The last one standing was eliminated. Banjo placed fifth in the SIT contest and placed third in the DOWN contest (out of ten). It was surprising how competitive dog owners can be.

I hope we didn't bring shame to OccuPaws by not winning, but we will do better next time. My guess is that eventually treats will not be allowed as a lure and Banjo will rocket to the head of class. This was a fun exercise to gauge how consistent your dog is because one slow response and he is eliminated.

Based on observation of her class, the trainer implemented a mid-class playtime. Our calm well-mannered puppy turned into a crazed lunatic. He chased smaller dogs, pinning them down, crashed into/under chairs, dragging them across the room, and humping. One of the other dog owners asked which dog that was because she hadn't remembered a wild black dog in the class - he had his cape off for playtime. She couldn't believe it when we fessed up that he was our charge. Banjo ended the break extremely wet from frequent corrections from the water bottle.

After break, cape on, Banjo breezed through the HEEL and WAIT exercises. Next week LEAVE IT and STAY. Hopefully, Mr Hyde will not be accompanying us.