dog manners class

[sasha_feather]

Lt. Abbie (dog) and I had our first "Manners" class on Saturday. I enjoyed it. It's led by two middle-aged women and there are 9 dogs in the class. We learned basic things such as: when you say your dog's name, and she looks at you, give her a treat. When you walk on a loose leash and stop, wait for her to look at you, then say "good dog" and give her a treat. If a dog jumps on you, turn your back to it. Etc.

I didn't bring treats to the class: I thought about it, and decided against. So, anxious and embarrassed, I had to go up to one of the instructors and ask for treats, in order to work on some of the skills. I wish they had told me to bring treats during the initial phone call or in an email. Anyways, I will next time.

Abbie was anxious but well-behaved. She is attentive to me, but won't sit or lay down for a treat. When we are at the park, I can get her to jump up onto her hind legs for one.

She's anxious about a number of things, but it's only been about 6 months. I'm hoping that teaching her some tricks will channel some of her energy that is otherwise going into being anxious.

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

I think your hope is well-founded. We managed to move Lucy from "can't take her to park because bites" to "plays well with others" by training her that the best thing in her world is looking at us when we ask for it.

Is she food-motivated? You mentioned once she really liked the yellow toy--you could compare and contrast as to which one makes her more blissed.