Week 4 - Advanced Precision ... OFF LEASH!

That's right, I said it. OFF LEASH! Curly did a lot of off leash work tonight and I was extremely impressed. I think if he refused to do everything, but behaved off leash tonight I would have been just as proud. Ha!

So we are in week 4 and still loving it. I was a bit nervous because we hadn't practiced as much as I'd like and know that is key. I was also tired tonight. Curly of course was ready to work.

First, we warmed up as usual doing a heal in a circle (technically a square or rectangle) around cones with the other classmates. Then after we were doing good we tried it off leash. Woo hoo! Curly was right there with me. Everyone's dogs were connected tonight. We did 360's, call fronts, finishes (I kept trying to go left no matter what I was instructed) and stopping in sync.

Second, we worked on "down" because Curly had some challenges this weekend during our Fun Rally event. We'll need to really work on this outside to proof this behavior to gain consistancy. I know we can do it! He did well overall in this area tonight, but the stays need more practice as well.

Next, we did some "down stays" while humans acted as cones for figure 8's. Curly did awesome at the figure 8's off leash, but again the "down stays" are a work in progress.

Finally, it was time for the "hail Hitler/call a cabbie" move as I like to call it. The real name is a "drop down". The goal is to call your dog to you and hold up your right hand without saying anything and your dog drop into a down. Sounds easy, right?! Not! But we are getting it. The trick is practice of course and walking towards the dog with your arm/hand extended so they get the idea. I'm amazed how quick the dogs were picking this up. We did start the learning process last week, but the other classmates were rocking it out!

Curly is currently passed out on the love seat. I am pretty sure he's beat from all the work/fun tonight. Go Curly, Go Curly!

Week 3 - Advanced Precision with Curly Bear

Tonight was our 3rd night of class. I can't believe we are already approaching the mid-way point. I drove to class with the goal to just have fun no matter what. I knew we'd need to have a good down stay which is a challenge for Team Curly.

We warmed up first and Curly was doing great! He was healing and stopping like a pro. We were able to do our favorite move the "Left About Turn" (which used to be our hardest one to do a few classes ago). Then we did some stay work and it was then time for the human cone.

Two human students needed to act as the cones for another human and dog student to heal around those people. While those 2 were to be standing as cones their dogs were to "down stay". (Insert hysterical laughter from me here.) Curly did get up several times, but he did very well for such a challenging exercise. I took advice from many to #1 have fun and #2 envision what I wanted to happen and those pieces of advice paid off. I know we'll rock it next week!

Next, we did some "stand" and a "drop down" like they use in traditional obedience. The dog is to come towards you and then you signal (kind of like hale Hitler) for them to drop down while moving in your direction. Uhhhh I wasn't sure about this one. But I think with practice we can nail it. It's one we will probably love after we overcome the challenging part.

Then we worked on doing a "call front" while running away from you dog. Yes, you heard me right and yes I paid for this level of torture...I mean TRAINING. LOL! The goal is to ask your dog to "wait" leaving them from the heal position and running away from them while they await your next request. As you run you call your dog to "come front" or we just say "front" right now. Then Curly is to high tail it around me on my left and sit square in front of me. He did really good!! He said it must have the beef treat to do it just right and I complied. Rock star is all I can say. =)

Again, we showed off some tricks and learned some from another student. I really like winding the class up with this. There were only 3 teams tonight and I think that allowed for more practice and fun time. Loved it and really look forward to week 4!