Belle started basic obedience class on Monday. My primary purpose in signing her up for class is to socialize her and help build her confidence. She has been great with our family but always very shy with strangers and terrified of dogs ( big and tiny ) other than the 2 she lives with. She met the trainer at our local Petco when we were shopping a few weeks ago and Belle actually let her approach her and talk to her - I was shocked. I found out that in addition to working with dogs, she is also an animal behaviorist at our zoo in Syracuse, so I figured that it was at least worth trying one class.
There are only 3 dogs in our class, my Belle, a 5 month yorkie mix, and a very HYPER, but friendly, boxer. Belle was very nervous and frightened of the larger dog at first and she ignored the tiny puppy completely. But throughout the class, she came out of her shell more and more, until she was walking with her head and tail held high. She actually played with the puppy a bit, and she barked at the boxer when she came a little too close (not viciously, just to tell her "I don't like that") She sat for the trainer, and took a treat from her. I am so pleased with her progress!!!!
She seems to have carried this confidence into other areas, too. Last evening, when Belle, Oliver, and I went for our walk, we met a woman and her female shih tzu. Belle has always hidden behind me when we encounter other dogs, but she actually walked up to this strange dog and sniffed noses with her. She also let the woman pet her and seemed to like the attention
I can't wait for the next 5 weeks of classes and plan to sign her up for the intermediate course and maybe even CGC. My little shy baby is starting to blossom!