[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by goldendog

I took Z to her first obedience class yesterday. I was a little apprehensive as I didn’t know how many dogs would be there or how she would react. I arrived early and waited till 11 when the class was to begin. But no one showed. After another few minutes people were starting to leave, but then a trainer came out and said they would be starting late due to their being involved with assisting those in Puerto Rico. As the trainer approached the car, Z used her big girl voice and barked at him as he neared. That was a first for us both, though I never had been in the car with Z and waited for any period of time, usually it is in the car, drive to where we are going and out of the car.

So now class was to start and the trainer who was teaching the class just happened to be one who had helped Z before when she was at the SPCA. Just so he would be aware, I told him I was not sure how she would react to the other dogs as she sometimes barks when we are on walks.

So there were 5 dogs in total, 3 big shepherds, 1 golden and Z. We were told to have our dogs sit next to us as we sat in a chair and were then instructed to individually walk our dogs around the other dogs to see their reactions. Z did pretty good, not one bark or wayward glance. Next, they were to sit, down and stay on command. Z did fine on the sit, a little slow on the down, but did it, and I forgot to tell her to stay. She still needs work on these commands but in my opinion did the best of all the dogs.

Next, the trainer took Z and led her around to the other dogs close enough for them to sniff but no contact and she did fine, then he had her sit in front of each dog to see their reactions. I took a deep breath to calm myself and watched with anticipation. To all but one dog Z sat and turned her head away from the dog. The trainer said that was her way of saying, “I pose no threat and don’t want to fight”. I was excited. However, she came to Boris, a nice looking, stud of a shepherd, and actually looked at him and he looked at her; but not in a confrontational way. And the trainer said that Boris had great energy and that is why Z looked at him. I think she just liked him!

He said we found out one thing about Z today, she is not aggressive. If she acts out when meeting another dog it is more than likely the other dog sending nervous or excited energy and that is why she acts out. I was extremely happy to hear this!

Z came home and was so relaxed. My husband even commented on how relaxed she was.

All in all it was a good day for Z. I can’t wait to see what next week’s class is like.

P.S. Z was asleep on her bed by 8PM last nite!

A wonderful recounting of one more "test."

Progress knows no boundaries!