[Sammy-Doo's Fam]

Sampson and I went to obedience class on Saturday.

First we stopped by to say hello to our friends at the local pet store where the trainer works. The owner said hello and commented on how much more soft his fur is now. (She helped us with our search for a food that Sam wasn't allergic too). It was great to hear as we don't really see the difference as it was a gradual change. Then it was off to class.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that only 3 dogs were in the class. A little mix named Sadie, a young and hyper golden retreiver named Lanie, and then Sammy. The trainer, Jennifer, is very nice and knows Sampson from the pet store... She is a private trainer who is Animal Behavior Collage Graduate, Full Memeber of ADPT, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator with AKC, and Fully Insured.

We started with focusing as all the dogs already knew how to sit. Sampson was great with me, but would not look Jen in the eyes or take a treat from her so she gave him praise and a good pet instead. Then we started to have them sit, focus, and then "break" or "release". We practiced by having them sit, focus, and then we stepped back and had them step forward to they understood that then they could break the sit.

About halfway through, Sampson just got bored. He din't want any more treats and just wanted to sniff around (we are outside). He kept lying down instead of sitting even thoug he knows sit. Jen was very reassuring, showed me how to correct him and reminded me that he would probably perform much better at home and to work with him during the week.

So he didn't listen too well for pretty much the whole rest of the class and we worked on the basic sit, focus, break as the rest of the dogs added time and a distraction to their excercise. Then we talked about some excercises Sam doesn respond to. One was to put some yummy treats in your hand and let the dog smell them. They don't get a treat until they stop licking and chewing at your hand. As soon as they look away, take your other hand and give them one. Also, before putting their food down, have them sit but hold the sit and not break it until the bowl is down. Sammy has already mastered that one pretty much.

Some of it was interesting, like pretending to eat some of their kibble before they get it because the leader always eats first...

Well I could go on and on, but I'll spare you guys.
Thats the update!

PS: Did anyone else's doodle have trouble concentrating for a whole class session? (Ours is an hour)
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“The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.” ~ Samuel Butler
*Alicia & Sampson-Doodle*

[blueteal]

Sounds to me like Sampson did pretty darn good
All dogs at some time lose focus................not to worry!!!!!!!!
Good job Sammy Doodle!!!!!!!
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Sue & Denver
http://blueteal.net/denver.htm
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
- Josh Billings

[Lucee&Rusty]

Our two have been doing dog obedience since puppyhood.
You have your good days and you have your bad days.
Some days they leave their brains at home and other days you are soooo proud of your dog.
Sammy sounds like he had a really good first session. There is a lot going on for him.
New dogs new smells....it is hard to concentrate, but this will help later with his dog obedience skills.

Lucee has always been great with me but won't do a thing for the trainer...she only wants to go back to her momma
Your trainer is right about doing better at home where he is comfortable and there are a lot less distractions.

Well done Sampson! Keep up the good work.
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Ingrid, Lucee & Rusty

A dog may look at you with its eyes, but it sees you with its heart - anon

[gene]

You'll be surprised how much Sampson got out of it even when he lost concentration. Jonah was like that, got bored, stopped trying during class. Especially with "down". Next week in class to my shock and glee, he did it the first time!
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gene , jonah , miko and rumor

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/jonahfus
"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley