It is. They're good distractions, until they're trying to hone in on the pile of treats!

I hear you on the energy you used to have - I used to walk Luc for an hour in the morning, an hour in the evening, and run at least 5k with him everyday.

I read that they are chewing up the beds. You might want to just use a towel to teach them place (they can lay on that). Hope that helps.

Thanks Rosa. That's a good idea. I've just been bringing out the bed for training, but it does mean being less spontaneous. I'm working on getting him to associate place with that area of the room, even without the bed.

Agis graduated today! We start the next tier of virtually classes at the end of February (the earliest they were offered). Really looking forward to that!

I also, to keep us sharp, signed us up for a tricks class (virtual again) that runs for 4 weeks in February. Should be fun.

I'm catching up on threads. Congratulations that Agis passed! Keep up the good work, he'll be amazing by February!

Thanks DE! I am looking forward to February!

Agis starts tricks training Wednesday! I am very excited.

Hey, how did the first class go?

Really good DE! Well, not REALLY good, but good.

We started with 'paws up' on a box or similar. I decided to use a milk crate (actually a beer crate, but it's the same as the old milk ones), but as it wasn't very wide, my trying to shape the behaviour with a treat had him walking around it. I switched to two big couch cushions (wider), and then he did great.

We also did targeting pawing (using a ziploc lid with a treat underneath) which he just wasn't getting, so I placed his paw on it and after a couple of repetitions he got it.

We also targeted rear feet on an object, which he did okay at.

There's only two other people/dogs in the class, so the trainer was able to really watch what we did. She was really good too, had great energy. I enjoyed the class because of that too.

The rear feet target seems difficult when I try to imagine it. It's seems to depend on the dog trusting you not to trick him into backing so far away without looking that he falls off a cliff or something, lol. I watched a video on this trick. Seems pretty neat.

Yeah, it definitely needs the most work! But we'll get there.

I had a migraine so we missed this weeks, but I got the lesson plan and I THINK we'll be okay

Ugh. MIgraines. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. How did the make-up training go?

So far it's okay, but I need to work more on wiping the paws.

We missed last week's class with a thundering migraine. Our instructor sent through what was covered - which I think given I didn't get to learn with her, we're doing okay at. I took video so she could see. Of course, practicing with no treats during the day - perfection! Snappy, responsive, holding the bow. When Toby came home and could film us? Treat for the weave (which was super slow) and the bow broken to a down. This was the best we got, but then, that's how things go sometimes I suppose.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLnOkdPHX2H/

OK I'm rather amazed that you get anything with all the others watching so intently! I don't think I'd get a very good response with such a rapt audience.

Now on the "it was so good until the camera guy showed up" well, that is so much like the trials "My dog never did that before" - it's like a show they put on for the judge. -- like the sudden sharp right angle on what's supposed to be a straight send out....

I think what you got going is looking pretty good. So if it was better before the camera came along, well - that's just even nicer.

Aww, thanks Middle! I figure they're a good distraction.

He was VERY excited when Toby came home, and we filmed it a few minutes afterwards...hmm.

Thanks for the kind words!

Agis graduated tricks tonight - Foundations 2 Obedience starts tomorrow!

Good Job Jenn and Agis. Keep up the good work.

Thanks Val! I'm nervous for Obedience 2 but I bet we end up having a blast!