July 14, 2008 - Don't screw up!

Mondays are typically an off day for me but today we had a half day of class so the instructors could continue to check in with us as we acquire our new puppies. They don't want us screwing up our pups! So far there are 5 Malinois puppies (Mika's litter), a couple of German Shephard pups, a doberman, a couple of labs, and a golden retriever. More puppies will arrive this week.

In class we practiced making corrections on the leash. The instructor held the end of the leash in his hand to simulate where the dog's leash attaches to the collar. We took turns popping the leash to make a correction. The instructor corrected our posture and let us know if our pops were crisp enough or if they were more of a pull or a drag. This was much needed practice for me because my corrections have been pulling the dog off balance.

This evening Mika and I were outside while one of the students was doing tricks on his bike. She started barking and growling at him. I gave her three corrections on the pinch collar and they were draggy and pulling her. Naturally they didn't phase her and she kept barking. Then, I realized what a crappy job I was doing and on the 4th correction I popped the collar just right: quick, crisp, and I didn't pull her off balance. Wouldn't you know it, it was the 4th correction that did the trick!

Tomorrow begins week two of classes. Everyday after class we have what's called "Bosses." Bosses is basically cleaning detail. We rotate between cleaning the big training hall, the small training hall, poop detail, and cleaning the lobby of the school. Last week the advanced students taught us what we needed to do and this week us grunts gets to be the "Bosses". I just checked the schedule and guess what??? I am one of the Bosses for week two....holla!!!! "Clean this!" "Wipe that!" "You missed a spot you worthless excuse for a human!"

I hope this doesn't go to my head... :)