July 19, 2008 - Hit the Road, Mik!

Today we did a lot of hands-on work with the dogs. We put the dogs on their benches and practiced sits, downs, stand, sit stays, down stays, etc. Teaching the dogs to "climb" and stay on the benches is the most practical thing I have learned and something every owner should teach their dog.

The rule of the bench is that the dog can stand up, sit down, or lay down as she pleases, as long as she stays on the bench until you give her the "FREE!" command. Once the dog has this down, the same principal can be applied to a couch, a dog bed, a coffee table, or any other place you desire.

Tired of having the dogs under foot when you are cooking? Put them on a "climb",
Don't want you dogs to rush guests when they come to the door? Put them on a "climb".

For more extensive training the bench becomes even more useful because you can practice sits, stand, downs, etc., and it keeps the dog from running away while you are working with her. It also helps her to keep good form on downs and sits because the bench doesn't offer much room for sloppy posture.

After class was over and we'd has a lot of practice with sits and downs, Mik and I loaded up the car with her bench and a "diaper bag" full of leashes, toys, food, and other necessities and we hit the road. We headed for home so I could show off my baby girl.

The trip went by quickly because I was anxious to get home and see my boys who I have missed terribly. Plus I wanted my dad to meet Mik and put his mind at ease about her size. We've never had a dog over 25 lbs, so knowing that Mik will be 60-70 lbs is unsettling. How will she fit in? How will we dog proof the house against a dog big enough to get into lots of trouble? Do we have room for a dog this big?

Mik and I arrived home at 9:30 p.m. which only left time for quick introductions before bed. So far she is winning everyone over, dad included, with her sweet soulful eyes and her soft fur. Oh, and her big ears too!

More introductions tomorrow!