Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Doggie Reform School: Round 2



Another fun session of dog obedience class last night for my little reprobate. Last night the disobedience of choice for many of the larger dogs was to just stop walking & lie down. It was a hoot to see these big canines sag to the floor as owners did the "quick snap" on the chain obedience collars, over and over. Well, it was very hot in the training barn and I guess the floor was cool.

We worked on sit and stay, distractions during sit, 'down', and heel. By the end of the night the hairballs are wafting across the floor and drool spots cover the mats, and every dog has improved at least somewhat.

There was a huge and very wild Malamute in a muzzle, who had been brought in just to experience other dogs. His handlers (it took 3 guys!) just stood with him the middle of the ring as all the obedience activity swirled around him. He hated that muzzle and he gave out these heartrending moans the whole time - a very good 'training opportunity' in avoiding distraction for the other dogs.

On the way home I tried out my new camera's capability for taking a picture of the moon:



We have a ways to go, my little mighty-mite Canon and me...

11 comments:

Callie said...

LOL, Our border collie and us flunked puppy kindergarden, but he turned out pretty well behaved anyhow!

Train Wreck said...

Oh reform school! he! he! I love your little dog, King Charles? What kind of camera did you get?? C'mon spill!! Oh wait I can see below A Canon SD 1100, hmmm... I will have to check it out online!! Takes great photos!! Thanks for stoppin by my page, I am so behind I think I won the race!! I gotta check out your beautiful yellow flowers!! (Pansies?)

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

Sounds like you guys are making real progress.
How on earth did I miss so many posts? I swear I was just here-LOL.

Gabey is so darn cute. I bet it is hard not to pick him up and protect him from the big dogs...oh wait...thats why you guys are here-hehehe.

Dressage Nomad said...

Pretty sky! I commented on the camera question in your last entry, probably just should have done it in this one instead, lol. So other than moaning what did the Malamute do while his handlers stood?

Flying Lily said...

Jester, the Malamute moaned, clawed at his muzzle, rolled around in despair, lunged out periodically, and generally behaved like a tormented soul. But they were all congratulating themselves at the beneficial experience he must have had. Truly he seems like an abuse case. Beautiful huge dog with a screw loose.

Flying Lily said...

Callie, I have a serious Fear of Flunking! Glad your dog turned out well.

Flying Lily said...

TrainWreck: This is so cute: "I am so behind I think I won the race!!" I love it.

BrownEyed: I loved Chris's comment on your blog about the pot garden!! Gabey is getting pretty mellow around the other dogs. For example, last night, not once did he wag his tail so hard he fell over. Progress!

Molly said...

Very nice pictures! The moon is terribly elusive, I feel. It's so hard to capture the actual feeling you get when the moon is staring down at you.
Gabey is just the best subject.

Grey Horse Matters said...

One of my daughters has a giant malamute,he is the cutest most lovable dog, but when he starts howling he sounds like a wolf. I can see how he could distract the other dogs. Great picture of the moon I think.

20 meter circle of life said...

I am shipping the Ubangy Piddle Rats out and you can take them to school. I am hoping when Beth (the dog and pony show) is here she can get me on the right track with them

Flying Lily said...

Molly: Yo are so right about the moon. It just quietly defies all photo efforts...

Grey Horse: It was so eerie! I think malamutes are close to nature somehow.

20Meter: I would love a visit from the Ubangy Piddle Rats. I can see them teaching Gabey a few new tricks!!