Obedience school star
 

Several of you offered good advice when Eddie was struggling in obedience school, so here's a Week 6 update. Some history: On Week 1, we went to advance-beginner class, and there were 20 BIG dogs and Eddie. He proceeded to panic and forget everything he learned in beginner class. I almost pulled him out of the class, but several of you encouraged me to give it another week.

Well, week by week, he became more comfortable. He had trouble when the instructors introduced distractions, but we worked on it.

Well tonight, Week 6, he was perfect in the review of everything he learned. The instructor bounced a tennis ball right next to him during sit-stay, and he didn't break his position. At the end of class they introduced some agility lessons, and Eddie was terrific. The instructor even used him as an example of how dogs learn. He was skittish on his first pass through an area with a bunch of obstacles to negotiate, but he sprinted through it on his second and third passes.

I was one proud papa.

Even though he's improved each week, I've decided to repeat the 8-week course to help with his socialization. He still shies from the instructors during "stand for exam" and gets distracted by other dogs, especially small ones for some strange reason. But I'm more confident than ever that he's going to be able to do agility when we get to that. He is way smarter than I initially gave him credit for.

Since I'm more apt to read posts with pictures, here's one of Eddie's Halloween costume. We're still working on it -- obviously.

Congrats on Eddie doing so well in the class. Sounds like he came around. Bet it was hard with all those big dogs, bet he was the smartest in the class. Great pic, but I bet he was thinking hey dad I can't see.

I always love hearing about Eddie and I do love him in his Harley hat! I like you idea of repeating the class as it can't hurt and he will be even better when it is over!! :thumbup:

That's my feeling. When I watched an agility class and saw how demanding it can be, I decided not to rush it. This is all about Eddie, and if it's not fun for him, we're not going to do it. I'm hoping another 8 weeks at something he enjoys will prepare him for some more demanding learning skills.

WHAT A GOOD BOY !! I'd be distracted too if the whole ROOM was 10 times bigger than me .....He sounds like he's trying really hard - bless his heart -
and YOU sound like a GREAT DAD.....way to GO Eddie ! :good job:

Show those Big Doggies how it's done !

Way to go Eddie!!!!

Oh how cute! I love the Harley Davidson hat!

Biker Dude and Biker Chick...
 

What a neat thing to hear! :D I'm proud of Eddie too! ;)

Oh...Tell Eddie that Sophie also has that hat....lol :cool: She is gonna be a Biker Chick for Halloween! LOL :p

She can hang out and ride on Eddie's motorcycle~ ;) lol

Congratulations for Eddie! Can I ask where you go to classes? Is there a special school where you're at that you use? (I'm trying to find a good one around me!)

:D Those two statements say it all, don't they? Hooray for Eddie and to dad for not giving up.

That is great!!! I know you must be sooooo proud of him! They have a little leather looking jacket at Petsmart on clearance that says "Too Cool for Obedience School". That would look cute on Eddie :)

Thanks AGAIN for the encouragement, everyone. Michelle, I love your idea for the leather jacket. I'm gonna check it out. And Annadoodle, Eddie has got to see pictures of your biker chick. Maybe I can photoshop them in the same frame and drop them on a Harley! Skipper Act, I can't offer much advice about obedience schools in other areas. I take him to Alyeska Canine Trainers because they're the only ones (I think) outside of Petco that offers them in the area. Plus, they're real visible in the community with demonstrations, etc. My initial criticism was I wished they had a small dog class, but I honestly don't know if that's necessarily a good thing or not. I want him to be socialized around all types of dogs, so maybe this is the way to go.

One thing I forgot to mention above. The 20 big dogs on Day 1 couldn't hang. The class has shrunk to about 7 dogs, so it's less intimidating.

I have seen that leather jacket at petsmart. Its really cute and would look great with the hat.