Dog Training Classes

Tonight we are taking Cody to dog training classes. At the end of September we enrolled him into a six week obedience course and we've now got three weeks left. It's all taught using positive methods (not that we'd ever use anything else) and it's held in a local horse barn, meaning there's lots of space and it's weatherproof. Cody normally comes home with sand in his fur, but that's not a big deal, it brushes off!!

There are about half a dozen other dogs and owners attending so it's a good opportunity for Cody to socialize and learn in a distracting environment, something that for the first week he struggled with at times, but is focusing brilliantly now and it's not just at classes, out and about generally too. 

He's shy with new people, always has been. Who knows why, since we've always tried to make meeting new people a fun thing. I've worked hard with him and he is making good progress. He will now go up and sniff new people, even wagging his tail when he sees someone. However, if they go to pet him, he backs off :-/ So I'm hoping this class will help with that, and certainly so far it is - he will now take treats from strangers for the first time! Onwards and upwards :)

He's also met a toy poodle, Mossie and a pug (can't remember her name!). He was friendly with both of them. Sometimes he gets on great with other dogs, sometimes not so much - it's more with males though, especially larger breeds. 

Holly's also coming along, although tonight will be her first time! My sister is going to be working with her on her barking habit whenever we meet a new person or dog on a walk (she thinks she owns the forest!!). As she barks, she sets Wilson off, which then makes Cody very excited! Hopefully she'll get on well, I'll report back tomorrow :)

The first night, Cody working on some sit-stays.