I was so proud of her! She did very well. I have to say I was very worried because of how she barks at strangers at dogs at the dog park. She was on full alert in the beginning until she got an idea of what was going on (and that treats were involved ). Then she settled in and worked at being a good girl.

My daughter started as handler and I finished. I was very proud of both. Bella didn't bark once, and Elena did a great and consistent job handling her. There were 3 or 4 other GRs in the class, and I thought Bella did the best. One dog simply would not sit. Just didn't get it. And this is the dog's second obedience class. Another, an 8 month old boy, was such an unruly adolescent I felt bad for his owners. He kept barking and was so excited about being there that he couldn't settle down. And he was big--his owners had a hard time holding on to him. I could tell they were frustrated.

The trainer is OK--I'm not wild about her (she recommended some aversion training tips that I didn't think were really spot on) but she'll provide the structure we need to get Bella trained in basic obedience. And I've never understood why the instructions aren't crystal clear for the humans--It's US that needs the training, right? I find myself interpreting and watching her closely so I'm sure I understand what she wants us to do.

When we got home, Tucker was so excited to see Bella, he started jumping around as if to say "Where WERE you?!" Right now they're playing bitey face and romping.

Good night all!

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Yay for Bella! She will be star 'pup'il.

Fun! I had to check the date and location to make sure you weren't talking about Casper, the unruly teenager, last summer. We started a new class last month, when he was 16 months old. He was so much better!

I try to take my kids to class when they are home from college. They are a huge help. They hold the leash while I do the training. Works great.

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It was funny watching that big boy last night. Named Murphy. He weighs about 85 lbs. And his owners had little to no control. They both stood with him on either side during the class. He barked constantly. Great looking dog, but a real teenager. I don't miss that age at ALL! My daughter said she saw the woman smack him once--she got very frustrated. I sort of hope they move him to one end of the class if he keeps barking because it was hard to hear the instructor!

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Well, Casper is only 60 pounds and doesn't bark, and I didn't smack him, so I guess we're good!

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