You have a good dog, and that is a good thing. But a great dog - well that is even better. Willie Mae is happy, energetic, lovable, and wants to give kisses to anyone who will hold still long enough to receive them (and if you won’t stand still, she will help you with the weight of her body). We started at Canine Academy when she was almost 7 months old. We went through Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes. And Willie became a good dog - most of the time. When we would go to training sessions, she would be at her very worst. I found myself starting to excuse her behavior. But I knew I wanted a great dog that could go everywhere with me so we enrolled in the off leash program. It has been the best decision. The off leash program has been able to train Willie through many distractions that I could have never created. And the biggest thing I have noticed - which I wasn't even aware was lacking on my part - is the confidence we have when out. I knew Willie lacked it, but I never realized how much I needed to gain it as well! The off leash program has provided both Willie and I the confidence we needed to head out into a world full of distractions. Willie Mae has become a great dog - and here is the best example!
I teach Kindergarten and we have a classroom pet named Flopsy. Flopsy is a rabbit who stays at my house over weekends and long breaks. Willie and Flopsy have seen each other through gates and exercise pens, but are never together. This morning, in my hurry to get out the door, I neglected to close the door when I went to put Flopsy in her travel crate. She escaped the room and went hopping as fast as she could towards Willie. Willie was ready to be crated, and had no collar on and was across the room from me...and coming towards Flopsy with all her might. I started to panic but got out the command to down and stay - and Willie dropped and stayed until I could catch the rascally rabbit. A few months ago, the outcome may not have had such a happy ending.
I have taken all of my dogs to school. I even got the last two to their CGC. But hands down, Canine Academy has provided me the tools I needed to train myself and to help Willie Mae to become a great dog.
So thanks for all you have done for both Willie Mae and me - and I am sure Flopsy thanks you too!
Beth and Willie Mae