[107barney]

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

and then he's done with his private sessions. I am going to sign him
up for 7wks of group sessions at her facility with other dog's. He loves
all small dogs but big ones he seems to fear. Out of
his own invironment he seems to be ok. I am doing this because I have
a chance to actually get him a sitter but she has dogs of her own.
If he's confortable during these sessions, away from home and with stranger's
and strange dogs I will feel better knowing he's ok with this sitter.
Then I'll drop him off for an hr then 2 and so on until he's there for a full
day. The thought of having "Freedom" for both of us is exciting.
He loves people as long as he sees me. He really needs an outside life
away from me and visa versa. The thought is exciting. I may get to go
on vacation yet with my grandkids to Disney this Dec. Well see.

Oh that is so awesome! We've always done obedience with our dogs and group classes too and when we go away, we use petsitters and the dogs really adapt well. Even Teddy is fine when we are away and he is the one that is so needy. I think it is so great you are doing this for Buddy. I too believe dogs need to interact with the world and with other dogs when they can. I sometimes drop the trio off at doggie daycare for fun. It's funny how each is an individual - Barney LOVES daycare - and he loves to teach the puppies manners. They call him "the patrolman" at daycare. Daisy hates it - she just kind of stands around and only has one friend, a small male maltese. So the two of them pair off and snuggle on a chair. Teddy kind of does his own thing - he is like the kid on the playground with no friends, it is SO sad. We're trying to help him though and we just signed him up for his 3rd eight-week session of group classes. He is so scared at school that he spits out his chicken and shakes. I'm hoping he gets over it. I'm also going to sign him up for a playgroup where he can make even more friends. Or at least one. LOL