Training Addie: Session #6

Today was a BIG day for Addie! It was her first training session held at the dog park in Fort Worth. I was nervous, not knowing how she was going to act. This was the best place possible for distractions though.

Matt worked on the basics with Addie to get her use to the place. From time to time when a new dog would enter the park they would charge right over to her but she did good. I believe that Addie was as nervous as I was. While she was in her down/stays every so often she would whimper a bit and inch toward us. She would stick her nose up in the air and could smell where we were.

 

Matt praising Addie.

 

Heeling

 

Down and Stay

After her lesson, Matt released her and said go play! Addie ran right over to us but shortly after that she started to explore, each time going farther and farther away from us. She would check in on us running back to make sure we were in the same spot. And guess what our Miss Addie found...

MUD! Guess who is getting a bath tonight!!

 

I never took my eyes off her and at one point saw her paw at the ground and then she was down. When she trotted back over I saw the mud. That was a small price to pay for the great experience that she had tonight. We got to meet some of the regulars, one of which is a client of Matt's. Our sweet new friend filled us in on the dog park. What dogs to avoid and that sort of thing. We appreciated the info and hope to see her and her dog Annie there again soon. Lucie was not pleased at all being left at home and let Addie have it!

After our class Matt was heading to see a new client for the first time.

 

Yep, Selby is going to begin learning that she is not the boss and that biting is a very bad thing. I can't wait to hear how their session goes. I hope she doesn't bite him.