Both Hunter and Lily playing with toys; they are such great companions. Hunter on the right and Lily on the left.
Lily has never played with toys; that was, until her last two visits. I'm not sure if she is just teasing Hunter with his toys or being playful but she now knows what to do with toys.
On Saturday, Hunter has his last beginning obedience class and graduated; yippee. I wasn't sure we'd continue but after hearing that the trainer will be focusing on off-lead heeling and also getting the pups ready for the CGC test, I decided that we will move on to the intermediate level. We did learn that while putting Hunter in a "stay", he wouldn't release and come when called. Humm. The trainer figured out what was going on. He has gotten so used to the release word O.K. and so I now need to say 'O.K. Come' to get him to release. It was so surprising last night, that showed the trainer was 100% accurate, when Lily was on our bed and Hunter was in the hallway waiting for dad but watching Lily and I. I told Lily down and Hunter immediately dropped-I was so amazed at his quick response, without the use of treats. When I told him to Come, he just stayed in his position until I say 'O.K. Come'. Guess our boy is learning more than I thought. In class yesterday, he also "stayed" in his down while the trainer's young daughter rode in front of the dogs on a bike. Again, I was very impressed; I knew he wouldn't go towards her but figured he might run the other way. At the end of class we had play time and I can say that he is very timid around the big dogs; of course if I had a Linebacker, for a football team, running full speed at me, I would hide too-which is about as close a scenario that I can come up with. All three dogs in the class this week are big-one big Shepherd, a big Lab and a good size mix. He does enjoy the social times when they are on leash but when they are having a game of fast paced running, he stays hidden. All in all, I am impressed with all he has learned.
If you are off for President's Day, I hope you have a fantastic day!
Joy to you~Noreen & Hunter
