Getting BIG!

One benefit of working at the Animal Inn is having a key to the place. This weekend, we took advantage of it both Saturday and Sunday. We began building on our Tuesday night puppy kindergarten class that we started last week.

The first order of business was “Sit.” And as usual, a bribe was involved using food. This technique also works with college students; or when you might need something from your significant other. “Buttercup, lets go out for dinner so you don’t have to cook” and that is usually followed by, “What do you want to buy?”

The “Sit” went pretty well with both pups. Rita has a bit more attitude then Sam, but not to be outdone, Sam has the vocal chords. The next exercise was who can pee the biggest puddle on the floor Sam clearly won this one. Even I was impressed, and this from someone who likes to have a beer from time to time.

After the “Sit” was a little heeling. I am not sure what they did would be called heeling by anyones definition. More like a fit or a convulsion on a lead.

At one point someone in the class asked if we got our pups from Dave and Sandy. “Nope. They are mine, this was our litter” Dear old dad here was popping a button over this one.

Saturday and Sunday we had the Inn all to ourselves. We set up some agility equipment, tossed some tennis balls around the floor, and let them run wild. We did the “Puppy puppy” recall from across all three rings, and both pups responded perfectly. One time I did it and even Dawn came running. All those years of cheesy pick up lines and all I needed was the “Puppy puppy.” Who would have thought?

What impressed us both the most was the improvement in their heeling. I get up in the morning and walk them for a couple blocks (Separate) before Dawn gets up for work. It only takes a few minutes per dog, and the results are well worth it. We cant go too far, its cold here in the morning, and these guys are pretty young for long walks. Still, the daily trot is showing some results.

After the free for all, we snapped on a couple collars and worked them at opposite ends of the rings for about 10 minutes each, and then switched dogs. Again, both are doing great.

The highlight was the agility tunnel. We collapsed the thing, and Dawn and I got at opposite ends and called a puppy through. After a little investigation, both pups were bombing through the thing like there was nothing there. By the end of our little session, both pups were going through the tunnel after we expanded it all the way.

We are working on names also. “Paisleys a reasonable amount of trouble by Élan” or ‘Elan’s a reasonable amount of trouble by Paisley” we like for Sam. “I don't mind a reasonable amount of trouble.” Is a quote from the Maltese Falcon for those of you living in a cave. Rita, we are still working on.

Stay tuned!!

C YA