Tails of Obedience School

Last night we went to our second obedience class with Gertrude.  Even though we have had her now for about a year and a half we have some work to do in the training department.  We got very lucky with Gertie because when we got her she was for the most part housebroken.  Also being only 10 pounds she could get away with behaviors that would be intolerable in other breeds (jumping up being the prime example).  She knew some pretty basic commands, but was really only successful when Tim and I were the most interesting thing around.  We were up a creek when a squirrel or another dog was in sight. 

One thing that Gertie really needs to work on is socializing with other dogs.  She is usually fine with dogs her size, but gets nervous around bigger dogs, which is a bit of a problem since most any dog is bigger than her.  She also gets very aggressive when dogs sniff her butt, which again is a problem because that is what all dogs do!  Honestly I don't blame her, it does seem like a really rude way to greet a stranger.  Luckily for her the other 7 dogs in the class are very friendly and happily put up with her 'tude.  Almost all of the dogs are also rescues, so the owners also understand that our dogs have histories that we really aren't and never will be privy to.  Already this week over last, she was much more comfortable with her classmates and even let one quick butt sniff slide!

Since we haven't tried much training, we didn't fully realize how smart she is.  She picked up on tricks so quickly, that the teacher made us blush by insisting the class watch how well Gertrude was doing with each command and joking that she wanted to graduate early.  Last week we made the mistake of bringing dog treats (stupid us), while the people on either side of us had brought cut up hotdogs.  It was a little pathetic that Gertie was begging from our neighbors, especially since she was dancing around on her hind legs.  With our hotdog pieces in tow, she was game for anything last night and it showed!

In this class it really seems true that the owners resemble their dogs (in a good/cute way).  One woman shares with her Golden-doodle not only their hair color (reddish blonde), but also the same extroverted, friendly demeanor.  There is another woman with her Shit-Tzu mix, shares the same dark grey hair color and style!  Our favorite dog is a beagle mix who is shaped like a bowling ball and shows about as much energy and enthusiasm as one.  She couldn't care less about the other dogs and cannot seem to figure out why we are bothering her during her naptime.  Her mom also has a laid back vibe and is content with her dog not perfecting all commands.  Obviously this all made me wonder if the others are thinking that of us and Gertie! 

It has been a blast so far and I can't wait to share more tails!