Courteous Canine: Kash's Training Day

Friday, May 4, 2012

Kash's Training Day

I had an unexpected day off this morning, so since I had some errands to do in town anyhow, I decided to pack up Kash and spend the time I would have spent with a client doing some training. I took his breakfast with me, and he spent a half-hour working for his meals at PetSmart.

It was his first time going to PetSmart, which isn't a big deal, really, as he's used to going to lots of new places, but it was a great place to really work on some of his skills. We practiced heeling through all of the aisles, past dog food, toys, and people. There were no dogs present during the half-hour we stayed there, which I was hoping there would be, but we still had a great time. He did really well with his heeling routine, stayed with me, sat promptly, and paid attention to direction changes. Eye contact (which I am working on increasing when he's in heel position) is coming along nicely!

We practiced two sit- and down-stays each from a distance, which he did really well, he didn't get up at all, even when people walked past next to him or behind him.

I'm convinced it was "Take your child-under-5 to PetSmart" day today,because the store was crawling with young children! While it made things a little interruptive at times, training-wise, (if the children weren't approaching on their own, their parents were obviously bringing their children over to visit and/or stop and watch) it was a GREAT opportunity to finesse Kash's comfort around children. He did awesome. Spectacular, in fact. He didn't show any discomfort with any children, had a great time showing off his tricks, and had an even better time taking treats from the little ones. He didn't even get upset when an 18-month old boy ate the treat he was supposed to give to Kash!! We all had a great laugh over that!

I sometimes forget that Kash is still very much a teen, as he has so few "that's not MY dog" days, but when I remind myself that he's still socially immature, I remember how proud of him I really am! Today was just an awesome training day all around. I look forward to our next training session there, I'll be scoping out a time when there are hopefully some dogs present, so we can work around them!

After his long training session we came home and "relaxed" by throwing the ball around. Can't ya tell he was all tired out?!?!?!

(Yes, that's my boy Kash....at least 4' off the ground....)

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My Crew

I share my days with four Mini Schnauzers:

Gaci, my little black spitfire, who is a walking bundle of energy with an attitude bigger than life itself. She has overcome so many issues, but meets every one head on. She is my true heart-dog and has blessed me with so many things. I have her specifically to thank for directing me into my career path.

Shimmer, my sensitive butterfly, who loves nothing more than the simple things in life, from a sunny spot on the floor to dragging her own toys along behind her in play. She emanates joy and has the greatest sense of humor, you can always expect a laugh with her around.

Zipper, my wise old man (as I call him), who really is a dream dog, and one-in-a-million when it comes to stability and relations to the world. He loves children most, and dogs second, but will happily meet anything big or small with friendship - unless of course you are a wild bird (which he has a rather keen interest in as a play/prey item).

And Kash, my newest addition. A Zipper son, born in January 2011, he is proving to be every bit as stable as his dad, with the work ethic and spunk that I was hoping to increase from his dad. He's a bundle of fun, a real comic, and a joy to be around.

So many dogs have blessed my life in the past, and I am thankful to have extended relationships with many others. Every dog I share my life with has left an imprint on my heart, and has taught me some life lesson that can only be learned by living with dogs.

Courteous Canine

This is my small corner of the world in which I can share my life with, and love of, dogs. I made a commitment early in life to try to do the best I can by the animals who I get to spend my days with. Through them I have developed my long-wanted career as a dog trainer to help others build trusting relationships with and to help to better understand their dog.

Here you'll find a variety of topics, ranging from everyday experiences with my own dogs, to my budding business endeavours, to behaviour and training, to inspirational people or ideas who have touched me along the way.