Training class-week3

Well, I didn't leave in tears, so, its an improvement.

I spoke with my real trainer, who has recovered from a serious bout of stomach flu ( during which she explained, she spent the weekend at a dog show, laying down between two dog crates with her head in a bucket...) why i ask? but regardless...about Lexx's leg issues.

Instead of the off hand " he'll get it eventually" that I am so used to getting, she asked me to demonstrate, asked tonnes of questions and then suggested that some strengthening exercises might be in order. Aksing for sit stays on an incline, facing up and down, with me standing over him in order to keep his legs both tucked in nicely. She said that it would take weeks, but that if its a muscle memory thing, that should help.

Finally. Maybe not a solution, but at least its a possible step forward. now.... where to find an incline in January?

Focus was EXCELLENT this week, he has the moving focus down more than any other dog in the class. Worked on recalls with the sit front at the end, he's still ridiculously difficult to get to sit straight, but, atleast he SITS and comes STRAIGHT to me.

I saw a slight improvment on his fronts this week, again with the sitting straight issue, but I think he's starting to get that he has to be RIGHT in front of mom, or no cookie.

As much as he's still very frustrating to train, I see a big difference in him from my last group obedience class that was when he was around 8 months. much more focus, more drive to work ( maybe liking food helps?) he seems to ENJOY it.

Now, as long as I don't get frustrated... maybe I'll learn to enjoy it too.